Authorities in Karenni State are facing calls for greater accountability after an armed resistance fighter reportedly fired a grenade launcher at a local KTV venue following a personal dispute.
The incident occurred at approximately 23:00 local time on 28 February at the Melody KTV in western Demoso Township. According to reliable sources, the confrontation began when two men developed an interest in the same hostess. When the suspect demanded that the manager reassign the woman, the situation escalated into a violent altercation.
Witnesses state that the suspect, identified only as a “comrade” or resistance fighter, utilized an M79 grenade launcher to fire three 40mm rounds as an act of intimidation. One round reportedly landed near a septic tank, while two others were fired into nearby woods. While no casualties were reported, the suspect also destroyed the venue’s signage and shouted profanities before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
The identity of the fighter’s specific unit remains unconfirmed, and it is unclear if any disciplinary action has been taken.
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who described the scene as “something out of a gangster movie”. “If those rounds had hit a home or the people inside the club, who would have taken responsibility?” a local resident told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA). “While the actions of one individual shouldn’t tarnish an entire group, a lack of accountability will surely damage the reputation of the resistance”.
KTV establishments are a contentious issue in the region. Ko Banya, Secretary (2) of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), noted that such venues are strictly prohibited in most townships, with the exception of Deebawng Khu. He emphasized that the involvement of armed personnel in the nightlife industry remains a complex challenge that requires coordination between local administrations and the IEC.
This is not the first time nightlife venues in Demoso have faced scrutiny; in July 2024, two KTVs were shuttered following health concerns and suspected HIV cases in the area. The latest incident underscores the ongoing difficulties resistance leaders face in maintaining military discipline and civil order within liberated territories during the revolution.
