Junta plants landmines near some Manaung Twsp villages

By Admin 12 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
12 August 2024, Manaung

Myanmar's military regime has planted landmines near some villages in the island township of Manaung, Arakan State, where there is as of yet no fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA), according to local sources.

The junta has planted landmines in farmlands near Khaohnmaw and Kantaingouk villages and at some locations near the seashore, and erected warning signboards about the risks of landmines, said a local source.

"Some Myanmar Navy vessels are patrolling and junta soldiers have been stationed in Khaohnmaw Village. Junta troops affixed a notice on a roadside tree, warning of the risk of landmines," the source added.

The regime did not otherwise inform residents about the landmines. Some residents say they have stopped farming for fear that the regime's planting of landmines could endanger their lives.

"The regime has planted landmines near villages where Myanmar Navy personnel have been deployed. Locals dare not go to their farmlands due to the landmine threat," said another source.

A local politician said the regime's landmines were planted in anticipation of an AA offensive.

"The regime's planting of landmines on seashores is a military preparation to defend against the AA attack," he explained.

Locals are concerned for their safety as the regime is carrying out military activities in Manaung Township in ways not seen until recently.

Junta soldiers from Ayeyarwady Region have raided at least 15 villages in Manaung Township since the last week of July, according to residents.

"Although there is no fighting in Manaung Township, the regime carries out military activities. The more that the army conducts military operations, the more the local people worry about their safety," said a resident of Manaung.

As far as fixed installations, the regime has only a naval base in Manaung. After the fall of two battalions in Thandwe, however, the regime deployed troops at Manaung Airport, the town hall and other strategically important positions.

Manaung Township consists of three islands off the coast of mainland Arakan State in the Bay of Bengal, and can only be accessed by sea or air.

Its residents rely almost solely on water transportation to bring in goods for residents. The regime has restricted sea travel and fishing in the waters surrounding Manaung Island, resulting in food shortages and livelihood hardships for islanders.