One man killed, another wounded in Kyaukphyu Twsp landmine blasts

By Admin 23 Mar 2024

DMG Newsroom
23 March 2024, Kyaukphyu

A local man from Ohntaw Village, part of Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township, was reportedly killed and another was seriously injured in two landmine blasts near No. 32 Police Battalion on Friday, according to residents.

U Win Naing Soe, a 37-year-old man from Ohntaw Village, stepped on a landmine while he was on his way to Doetan Hill, near the police battalion, to forage for vegetables on the afternoon of March 22, losing one of his legs.

U Zaw Zaw, 50, was severely injured in a second landmine explosion when he went to the scene where the first blast had occurred. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

“U Win Naing Soe went to Doetan Hill to pluck jackfruits. U Zaw Zaw heard the news that U Win Naing Soe was wounded in a landmine blast and attempted to rescue him. No one dared to go to the scene of the [second] landmine blast. U Zaw Zaw died of excessive bleeding,” said a resident of Ohntaw Village.

U Win Naing Soe is being treated at Kyaukphyu Hospital and U Zaw Zaw was buried yesterday.

There are orchards and fruit tree plantations located at the site of the landmine explosion, where local residents from villages such as Ohntaw, Gonechein and Pyainesaekay work.

It is not known which group planted the landmines, but Kyaukphyu residents are asking all armed groups to avoid planting landmines near the areas where the residents work.

“Now we dare not go anywhere and it is not convenient for us to make a living,” said a local woman in Ohntaw Village.

As civilian casualties due to landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) are frequent in conflict areas, local residents must exercise caution when traveling even short distances.

At least seven landmine blasts were recorded in Kyaukphyu Township from January to March, killing two people and injuring six others, according to a DMG tally. Landmine explosions were reported near military camps and in some locations where junta battalions were stationed.

At least three people have been killed and 21 others injured in landmine blasts in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out in mid-November, according to a DMG tally.