A 63-year-old villager from Nawng Kaw village tract in Hsipaw Township died after being detained and beaten during an interrogation by soldiers from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), according to local residents and witnesses.

On the night of January 29, at around 8:00 p.m., Lung Pan, a resident of Pan Myaing village, was on his way to guard his farm hut when he encountered MNDAA soldiers. Witnesses said the soldiers detained him and took him to their camp for questioning.

Residents said Lung Pan was taken to an MNDAA checkpoint along the road between Pan Myaing and Nam Pote villages, where he was beaten. Later that night, village officials from Nawng Kaw reportedly secured his release on bail. He died the following morning, January 30, at around 11:00 a.m., from injuries believed to have been sustained during the beating.

“Village elders had to bail him out. His back and calves were covered in deep, dark bruises,” a male resident of Hsipaw told SHAN. “He died shortly after returning home.”

Local sources said the soldiers involved were from a battalion under MNDAA Brigade 511, which is currently operating in the Hsipaw area.

On January 31, MNDAA officials met with Lung Pan’s family and offered 2 million kyats (approximately USD 510) in compensation, urging them to settle the matter quietly, according to residents. Family members were unhappy with the offer but felt unable to refuse due to fear of reprisals, residents said.

On February 1, the Tai (Shan) Students’ Union issued a statement condemning Lung Pan’s death. The group accused the MNDAA of using unlawful violence against civilians during interrogations and called for accountability.

The incident comes amid increased MNDAA security activity in the area. Following a meeting between a military commission and MNDAA representatives at the Twin Elephants Hotel in Lashio on January 30, residents reported that Kokang forces reopened multiple checkpoints along the Lashio–Hsipaw Union Highway.

Local communities say the incident has heightened concerns over civilian safety in areas under MNDAA control.