Many Kyaukphyu farmers dare not grow paddy due to landmine threat

By Admin 22 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
22 June 2024, Kyaukphyu

At least 120 farmers from 18 villages in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township say they cannot grow paddy due to the risk of landmines planted by the regime.

“There have been frequent mine explosions in paddy fields and forests and mountains near paddy fields. So, some farmers from our village do not cultivate their farms,” said a farmer from Kulaba Village.

Junta troops were stationed in those villages and nearby during raids they conducted in January and March. They planted landmines in farm fields, forest paths, on hillsides and near villages, according to locals.

The majority of rural villagers in Kyaukphyu Township are engaged in farming and or fishing for their livelihoods.

Local farmers said cattle have also often been injured or killed in landmine explosions.

“They have planted landmines in many places. Many people dare not go to their farms as they can’t see where landmines are planted,” said one local farmer.

According to a DMG tally, four villagers were killed and 10 others were injured in landmine blasts in Kyaukphyu Township’s Ohntaw, Kubala, Mala Kyun, Pyaing Saykay, Hnanphetaung, and Auang Zedi villages during the latest fighting.

Some farmers have had no choice but to take to the fields despite the substantial risk to life and limb.

“If we don’t farm now, we will have nothing to eat next year. Rural folk can only grow crops to feed themselves. So, we have to take the risk,” said a farmer from Pyin Shae Village.

Residents from at least 30 villages in Kyaukphyu Township have been forced to flee their homes by junta raids and shellings.