NSS - Sep 28

The explosion of a bomb at the DENKO Petrol Station on the Lashio-Mandalay Union Highway resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to over ten others.

On September 28th, the State Administration Council (SAC) information team reported that a terrorist on a motorcycle, approaching from the Lashio direction, stopped at the DENKO petrol station. The motorcycle had been installed with a bomb. The DENKO petrol station is situated along the Lashio-Mandalay Union Highway, close to Nant Khait village, within the Mel Han village track.

It has been reported that the terrorist left his motorcycle at the petrol station and fled. Shortly thereafter, the mine attached to the bike detonated.

As a result of the explosion, two vehicles and the petrol station itself were burnt down. In addition, two civilians lost their lives in the incident, while six men and four women were severely injured.

Local residents have reported that armed groups in Lashio are extorting money from various businesses, including those in the hotel industry. Failure to comply with these demands often results in attacks and explosions targeting these business properties. 

Additionally, on September 19th, a motorcycle explosion occurred at the CS Hotel in Lashio township, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to numerous civilians.

Last but not least, the Kachin armed troop KIA sent a letter of demanding an extortion money to the abovementioned exploded DENKO petrol station in May this year; which demanded the DENKO to pay one hundred fifty million kyats to the KIA. The letter said, the DENKO petrol station will face an unnecessary experiences for failure to pay the extortion.