In Kachin State, Hpakant region, U Tin Hlaing, a villager from Sanka village who has been opposing jade mining near schools and villages, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a young man armed with a gun around noon on February 28. Friends close to him reported the incident.

A close friend of U Tin Hlaing shared, "He was at home when the assailant came. The attacker was wearing a mask and appeared to be a Kachin ethnic youth around 20 years old. He asked if U Tin Hlaing was home, and while reaching into his bag, he pulled out a short-barreled gun. U Tin Hlaing managed to grab the barrel and redirect it. When two large foreign-breed dogs threatened to attack, the assailant gave up and fled. U Tin Hlaing has always been committed to serving his community. He no longer speaks to the media but remains vocal in village meetings. These villages are under KIA-controlled territory, and such actions cannot be carried out without their knowledge. U Tin Hlaing sustained minor injuries."

According to U Tin Hlaing's social media post, during the struggle, he managed to grab the gun barrel and warned the assailant not to shoot. When asked who sent him, the assailant remained silent. As U Tin Hlaing was being dragged outside, he resisted and was pushed down with the gun. The attacker fled on a 125cc motorcycle, leaving behind a keychain.

Currently, U Tin Hlaing is in hiding at a secure location.

Since late 2021, the Hpakant region has seen a rise in lawlessness, with monthly arrests and killings occurring since March 2021. Following the political changes on February 1, 2021, nine people were killed in 2021, over 20 in 2022, and more than 70 in 2023. Some of those arrested remain unaccounted for, with their fates unknown.

In Mohnyin District, over 20 people, including village administrators, village leaders, accused of being informants, and civilians, have been targeted since May 9, 2021. These attacks involved parliamentary candidates, village elders, party leaders, and members of the People's Militia.

In Kachin State, since May 9, 2021, over 100 people have been assassinated. The victims include two in Mohnyin Township, 11 in Hopin, eight in Namar, four in Mogaung, around 70 in Hpakant, five in Tarlawgyi, two in Myitkyina, two in Tanai, four in Kamaing, two in Momauk, one in Bhamo, and two in Shwegu. Over a year, more than 100 people have been killed in these targeted attacks.