Regime battalion in Ponnagyun plants landmines in nearby paddy fields

By Admin 28 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
28 December 2023, Ponnagyun

Light Infantry Battalion No. 550 based in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun town has warned local farmers against harvesting their paddy fields near the battalion, saying they have planted mines within 600 yards of the barracks.

The battalion issued its warning on Monday to farmers who have begun harvesting their paddy.

“Soldiers came and told us not to reap in farms near the battalion because they have planted mines. It is going to be a big loss for farmers,” said a farmer from Ywarhaung Ward in Ponnagyun town.

Farmers from Ywarhaung and Sanpya wards and Thazi Village grow paddy and other crops near the Light Infantry Battalion No. 550 base.

There are about 30 acres of paddy fields and around 100 betel nut fields near the battalion where the regime has said landmines are planted.

“All the farmers in our village grow near the battalion. We grew with our savings, and we have nothing more to lose,” said a farmer from Thazi Village.

A statement released by the Three Brotherhood Alliance on Wednesday said the regime has barred farmers from harvesting more than 20 acres of paddy fields — an act the alliance described as bullying with arms to deliberately starve the local population.

The battalion might have actually planted landmines for fear of attack from the Arakan Army (AA), or the battalion plans to seize those rice plants for their own consumption, locals have suggested.

“They have now planted mines near police stations in towns. It is quite dangerous for the people,” said an Arakanese resident.

On Monday, a 40-year-old ethnic Chin man lost both of his legs after he stepped on a landmine while climbing Mount Kyeing Taung in Minbya Township.

At least five locals have been injured in landmine blasts in Minbya, Myebon, Ann and Maungdaw townships since renewed fighting broke out in mid-November.