20 February 2026 – A civilian was fatally shot by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) in Hakha town today, 20 February, as the celebration for the 78th Chin National Day was underway in the Chin-Oo-Si government complex.
The incident occurred around 11 am near the electric department, not far from the event location. The victim was identified as Mr Van Sui Uk Lal, a 31-year-old internally displaced person (IDP) from Falam, who was sheltering in Hakha town.
Mr Van Sui Uk Lal, a civil servant at the electric and power department, was shot in the head by SSPC security guards while on his motorbike, seemingly en route home from work. He was believed to have died instantly, and his body remained on the ground for hours, as fear prevented locals from approaching.
According to local sources, SSPC soldiers moved towards the electric department office following a suspected drone flight from that location. In addition to the shooting, two other men were reportedly arrested inside the building.
The shooting followed what sources described as a drone bomb attack on the event location by a local defense group. A bomb reportedly landed near the celebration area but did not explode. Eyewitnesses stated that the SSPC immediately responded by shooting and arresting people.
Following the attack, the Chin National Day celebration was abruptly halted. The SSPC Union Minister attending the event was airlifted out by a military helicopter.
Residents reported that SSPC security guards subsequently stopped, searched, and checked passers-by across the town. SSPC troops also fired heavy weapons in and around the area, though details on damage remain unconfirmed.
Mr. Van Sui Uk Lal was an ‘associate’ member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Hakha town and is survived by his wife and one-year-old daughter. His funeral was held today at 4 pm at Cawbuk cemetery. Sources confirmed he had not joined the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar military junta conducted multiple airstrikes in at least six villages in Falam township and one village in Hakha township along the Hakha-Falam main road today.#
