There were aerial bomb attacks as a preparatory ceremony for the 62nd founding anniversary of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) took place at Kachin Independence Army (KIA)’s Brigade-9 headquarters about two miles from Kanhsi village, Hpakant, Kachin State, on the night of October 23, causing many deaths and injuries, according to local sources.

Those helping with the post-incident measures said bombs were dropped from aircraft while a concert was being staged in the training ground of KIA Brigade-9 at about 8.40 pm on October 23, and there might have been nearly 60 deaths.

Local residents said local businesspeople were also invited to the event.

“The invitation says the KIO’s founding anniversary will be celebrated on October 25. A lot of people have been invited. Yesterday (October 23), a golf event was held in the evening and a music concert was staged at night. As far as I know, singer Aung Ya Li and other female singers died. KIA officers were killed. Many civilians also died. A lot others were wounded. We will know exactly only if we are allowed to enter. There had been no fighting in Kanhsi in recent days,” a local resident said.

Singer Aung Ya Li’s wife said: “I have learned only now from the news that my husband was killed in the bombing. Many singers were at the event. I don’t know exactly yet.” 

 “When a ceremony to mark the eve of 62nd founding anniversary of KIO was held, air strikes occurred. KIO’s anniversary is held yearly at KIA’s brigades. Now, we face unexpected air strikes which inflicted many casualties,” said Spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu.

He added: “We can’t say exact number of deaths or injuries. However, the KIA officers, artists and businesspersons as well as the men and youths who offered to work as volunteers during the KIO’s celebration died during the air strikes. All Kachin nationals were very sad. Residents of Kachin State and KIA/KIO offices flew the Kachin national flag at half-mast to mourn the lives lost in the airstrike.

Images showing the death of singer Aung Ya Li and damaged buildings go viral on social media.

The military (Tatmadaw) announced that they carried out counter-attacks on the headquarters of KIA’s Brigade-9.