The Shan State Restoration Council - Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) has denied the arrest and murder of Mai Nom Han, Ta'ang (Palaung) National Party (TNP) chairman, and his family members including his wife and seven-month-old daughter in Mongkai Township, Southern Shan State.

The statement was published on 23 March on the party’s social media page called Tai Freedom.

The statement said that some Ta'ang groups had issued various unsubstantiated statements and accused the RCSS of politically-motivated exploitation and one-sided accusations.

Moreover, it also says that the misunderstandings between Shan ethnic groups have escalated into a dangerous ethnic conflict.

Mai Nom Han and his family members have been missing since 10 January this year. RCSS said that their troops were no longer stationed within the Tone Law, Pan Lawt, Pan Kay Tu area in Mongkai Township on that date. But, statement on Tai Freedom Social Media Page by the RCSS said on 15 January that RCSS troops who were active in Pan KayTu, Ho Nar, Wan Fee area were attacked by the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

The body of 39-year-old Mai Nom Han was found on 3 March. On 9 March, villagers found the bodies of his wife, Lowe Aye Kha, 26 years old, and their seven-month-old daughter. A village official and an RCSS member who fled the armed group claimed the RCSS has responsibility for the arrest and killing.

A total of 117 groups including civil society groups, political parties, literature and culture associations, monks alliance, student unions, and women’s organizations have condemned the killings of Mai Nom Han and his family.