Man suffers severe injuries in Kyaukphyu landmine blast

By Admin 09 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
9 September 2024, Kyaukphyu

A landmine victim from Saichone Village in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, is reportedly in need of financial assistance to treat his severe injuries.

U Maung Tun Shwe, 58, stepped on a landmine while herding cows near a hill northeast of the village on September 8. He lost his left leg in the landmine blast and is currently undergoing treatment at Kyaukphyu Hospital, where his injuries require surgery but he is facing financial difficulties.

“His [the landmine victim’s] family struggles to make ends meet. They earn a living by collecting vegetables in the forest and fishing. He needs cash assistance to treat his injuries,” said a source close to the family of the landmine victim.

U Maung Tun Shwe has been transferred to Kyaukphyu Hospital and is currently in need of financial assistance for medical treatment.

The military’s Danyawadi naval base and a junta battalion are located near the scene of the landmine blast, and locals have accused the military of planting landmines along the hills nearby.

There are farmlands and orchards owned by residents from Saichone, Ywathitkay, Saichonedain, Shaukchaung and Sittaw villages near the hills, and locals are facing difficulties farming due to the landmine threat.

“Many cows have been killed in landmine blasts along the hill. Locals dare not go to their farmlands near the hill due to the landmine threat,” said a local man from Saichone Village.

According to a DMG tally, five people have been killed and 13 others injured in landmine blasts in neighbouring Kalarbar, Pyaingsayke, Hnanphetaung, Ohntaw, Malakyun and Aung Zedi villages since renewed fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) began in November.

Military tensions between the military and the AA are running high in Kyaukphyu Township, with thousands of local people from more than 20 villages fleeing their homes due to the frequent regime artillery attacks and airstrikes.