U Yup Zau Hkawng, a leader of the Kachin Peace-Talk Creation Group (PCG), was shot with a gun and sustained injuries to his thigh in Hsengtaung village, Hpakant Town on 8 September.

Jadeland’s influential Kachin businessman, Yup Zau Hkawng, was shot by junta forces while arriving to facilitate discussions on behalf of civilians trapped at the Lucky Man Hotel and KTV due to the fighting in Hsengtaung village, according to residents.

A close associate of U Yup Zau Hkawng said to Mizzima: “Yes, he was shot, and it was in the thigh. But there is no cause for concern.”

U Yup Zau Hkawng has a relationship with U Khet Htein Nan, the junta-appointed Chief Minister of Kachin State, through the parents of a married couple. (U Yup Zau Hkawng’s son is married to U Khet Htein Nan’s daughter.)

He is also the owner of Jade Land, a major jade mining company in the Kachin region.

Regarding the shooting of U Yup Zau Khong, there has been no official statement or comment from the junta so far.

Since 7 September, the junta has raided the Lucky Man Hotel in Hsengtaung village, while the village is surrounded and blockaded by combined KIA and KPDF allied forces, leading to mutual exchanges of gunfire between the two sides. Due to the fighting, some civilians trapped in Hsengtaung village on 8 September 2024, were seen carrying white flags as they left the village.

According to the reports, heavy artillery fire is also being provided by the junta base in Hpakant town for the conflict.

Due to the heavy artillery fire, a house in Hsengtaung village was hit and burned down on 8 September, and the fighting continues intensely as of today, 9 September, according to residents.