Myitkyina university student Gun Seng Aung, who was shot dead near an army checkpoint on Monday, was in fact a motorcycle thief who had tried to wrestle a gun from a soldier, Burma’s military news service Myawady reported on Tuesday.

DVB reported yesterday that the 18-year-old had been shot after he became embroiled in an argument with soldiers manning a checkpoint on the Bala Min Htin Bridge in the Kachin State capital.

A rally in memory of the victim was held on Tuesday by students at Myitkyina’s Computer University.

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However, according to the Myawady News report, two servicemen manning the checkpoint on the evening in question were approached by four civilians who claimed they had been harassed by a group of eight youths who attempted to steal their motorcycles.

The soldiers escorted the four to a safe area, and were returning to their post when they reportedly came under attack by the thieves.

The report said a scuffle broke out as the four men tried to overwhelm the soldiers and seize their firearms, resulting in an unintentional discharge. The soldiers reported that a bullet hit one of the attackers, sending the rest fleeing from the scene.

The report said the two soldiers suffered bruising in the attack and are receiving medical assistance at their army unit, while officers address the case.