A battalion commander from the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) is facing public backlash after allegedly shooting and killing a civilian during a military operation in northern Shan State’s Kutkai Township.

The incident occurred on July 18 in Man Weng village, Mong Hom tract, when a unit led by Commander Sai Sein Da arrived to apprehend a deserter from their ranks. After successfully detaining the soldier, the unit’s vehicle reportedly became stuck in the mud as they attempted to leave the area.

According to eyewitnesses, 30-year-old Sai San Htun, a local cattle herder, approached the troops to offer help. He was allegedly forced into the vehicle by the soldiers. When he later attempted to escape near a bridge, he was shot, first in the leg and then fatally in the chest.

“He jumped from the car and was shot in the leg. Then they shot him again in the chest,” said a resident of Mong Hom familiar with the incident. “We want justice. The truth must come out. We know who did this.”

The killing has ignited widespread anger among villagers. On July 19, three SSPP officials from Pang Hseng Township (also known as Pan Saing or Kyu Koke) held a meeting in Man Weng with more than 200 villagers, including monks, elders, and community leaders. However, residents say the officials failed to offer a clear explanation for the shooting.

“We asked what crime he had committed. Why was he killed? No one gave us a straight answer,” one villager said. “They told us they would return in three days with a solution, but we haven’t seen them since.”

Commander Sai Sein Da, who is accused of firing the shots, reportedly returned to the village the evening of July 19 but did not accept responsibility. Locals also claim that soldiers returned to the scene to collect bullet casings, further fueling suspicion.

“We don’t want our ethnic armed groups to abuse their power or commit human rights violations,” said a woman from Man Weng. “This has damaged the reputation of the SSPP, and it cannot be ignored.”

Attempts by SHAN News to reach SSPP spokesperson Major Sai Phone Han were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.

However, the SSPP Information Department issued a statement on July 22 acknowledging the incident. It confirmed that the organization’s senior leadership has ordered a full investigation and promised to take legal action based on the findings.

Locals emphasized that Sai San Htun had no links to drugs or armed activity. He was a farmer and cattle herder who leaves behind a wife and three young children.