The Shan State Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) announced on October 7 that the assassination of Presiding Monk of Shwe Kyin Monastery in Kyaukme Township, Shan (north) State may lead to misunderstanding between ethnics.

An unknown unarmed duo killed the Monk on October 5 and the SSJAC is deeply concerned about the killing, it said.

Two gunmen in civilian attire entered the compound of the monastery riding two motorcycles and emptied multiple rounds into the monk. The gunmen left a motorcycle before escaping on the other one, when people were alerted to their crime. The Monk instantly died from the bullet wounds.

The Monk held a meeting with monks and organizations from Kyaukme to solve with the problems to unite two Shan ethnic armed groups and the future of Shan State political affairs on September 14 and announced a four-factor agreement. People assumed the assassination may relate with the issue.

The SSJAC said the killing of the Monk respected by many people showed weakness in rule of law in the area.

The brutal assassination of the Monk in his monastery is a disgusting act and the SSJAC denounced the people and organizations involved in the killing.

Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) made an announcement on October 7 urging respective authorities to investigate and reveal the assassins in line with law.

The RCSS also said they will join hands with locals to identify the culprits who killed No.1 Ward Administrator Sai Nyunt Sein from Mongpan. It said they denounced strongly of acts of terrorisms in Shan State.

Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) issued an announcement on October 7 that they condemned the killing.