Kyaukphyu man loses leg in landmine explosion

By Admin 08 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 May 2024, Kyaukphyu

A local man was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine planted by the military near a village in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township on Tuesday.

U Tun Naing, 43, from Ohntaw Village, was going to a hill south of the village to cut down bamboo on May 7 when he stepped on the landmine. He lost his left leg in the blast, locals said.

“He was injured in the landmine explosion when he went to a hill to cut down bamboo to be used for his home as the rainy season will approach soon. His condition is considered life-threatening and he lost one of his legs. He also sustained injuries to his right leg,” said Daw Khaing Khaing Swe, the wife of the victim.

U Tun Naing is being treated at Kyaukphyu Hospital and is currently in need of financial assistance.

“He is currently being treated at the hospital with money donated by the villagers. We will face many difficulties in the long run,” Daw Khaing Khaing Swe said.

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

U Lu Phyu, 70, from Kyaukphyu Township’s Hnanphetaung Village, together with a companion was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine near NgamaungU hill while herding cattle on April 20, and lost his left leg in the blast.

Landmine blasts killed two people and injured 10 civilians in Kyaukphyu Township from January to May 8 of this year, according to a DMG tally.

“The number of people injured by landmine blasts has been on the rise in Kyaukphyu Township.  It is important for local residents to avoid traveling to areas where the military is stationed,” said a social activist in Kyaukphyu Township.

According to a DMG tally, nearly 60 civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out in November.