12-year-old loses leg in Ann Twsp landmine blast

By Admin 29 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 October 2024, Ann

A child was seriously injured on Tuesday after stepping on a landmine reportedly planted by the Myanmar military near Tattaung Town, part of Arakan State's Ann Township, losing a leg in the blast.

Maung Ye Tun, 12, from Tattaung Town, along with a companion, was going to the forest near the town to cut down bamboo on October 28 when he stepped on the landmine.

"He and his friend went to the forest to cut down bamboo for fishing rods. He lost his left leg in the landmine blast and he is said to be in critical condition," said a local resident.

Local people have accused the military of planting the landmine as junta soldiers were once stationed in the forest.

The injured child is having difficulties receiving medical treatment due to medicine shortages in Ann Township as a consequence of junta blockades that have severely restricted the flow of goods across Arakan State.

"Landmines are the biggest danger to the locals. No one knows where the landmines are planted or how many exist. We condemn the placement of landmines in places where local people move," said a social activist.

Civilian casualties are increasing almost daily in Arakan State, where fighting between the military regime and Arakkha Army is escalating, with landmines and unexploded ordnance among the top perpetrators of deaths and injuries.

Survivors often face significant challenges to their economic and social welfare in the aftermath, as well as lifelong health-related repercussions in many instances.

Five civilian casualties were reported in Arakan State in September due to landmines and unexploded ordnance encounters.