Two days, four landmine casualties across four Arakan State townships

By Admin 25 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 July 2024, Ponnagyun

One civilian was killed and three others were severely injured in landmine blasts over two days in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun, Minbya, Kyaukphyu and Gwa townships.

Ko Zwe Aung Aung, a 30-year-old man from Pauktawpyin Village in Ponnagyun Township, lost his legs after he stepped on a landmine on July 23.

“He went to a hill near the village to forage for bamboo shoots. Previously, junta soldiers were stationed on the hill. I think he was injured by a landmine planted by the military,” said a local resident in Ponnagyun.

In a similar tale of tragedy, Ko Tun Naing Soe, a 30-year-old man from Panmyaung Village in Minbya Township, was seriously wounded after he stepped on a landmine on Mt. Taungphyu, about two miles from the village, while collecting bamboo shoots on July 23.

“Junta troops have been stationed on Mt. Taungphyu in the past. The junta soldiers often plant landmines everywhere, making it very dangerous for local residents to travel,” said a local man.

Ko Pauk Kyaing, a 28-year-old man from Ward-2 in Kyeintali, Gwa Township, was killed in a landmine explosion while collecting djenkol beans on a hill near the town.

Most residents know that the regime has planted landmines near the main highway and in the forests of Gwa Township, but find themselves forced to risk their lives due to ongoing food shortages.

Maung Pyae Phyo Zaw, a man in his 20s, was severely injured after he stepped on a landmine near a hill west of Cediya Ward in Kyaukphyu on July 24 while he was foraging for vegetables along with two companions.

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 elsewhere near the villages, according to locals.

The regime’s wanton use of landmines has exacerbated wartime difficulties among local populations that are facing food shortages, soaring commodity prices and a lack of humanitarian assistance.

“The grassroots are worried about the risk of landmines when they go to their farmlands and the forests, but they have no choice,” said a local woman in Minbya.