An interview with the tactical operation commander of the Brigade-3 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) about the landmines planted by the military council in Nyaunglebin District.
In Myanmar, which did not sign the Mine Ban Treaty, more than 500 people were killed by landmine explosions in 2022, according to a statement issued by the Landmine Monitoring Group on 14 November.
After the military takeover, some people close to the Karen National Union (KNU) said that civilian casualties caused by landmines were reported in some townships in the KNU-controlled area.
The Karen Information Center (KIC) interviewed the tactical operation commander of the KNLA-Brigade-3, which clashes with the military council, about a lot of landmines planted by the military council in Nyaunglebin District.
Q: It is known that the military council has planted a lot of landmines in Nanza and Talaikhin villages in Kyauktaga Township in Nyaunglebin District. Isn’t that right? Please tell me first how many mines there are.
A: There are a lot of mines. Whenever the army entered their village, it planted many mines. The army plants mine in public places such as sidewalks, ladders and solar-installed places. It is hard to say the number of mines. Now we have cleared more than 50 landmines.
Q: Does the military council usually plant landmines when it withdraws? In which villages does the military council plant mines mostly?
A: The military council usually planted landmines in Thitchaseik, Kyaungpyar, Yanmyoaung, Naungkone and Ngahtwaysoke villages in Mone Township controlled by the KNU. The military council also does the same in Kyaukkyi Township. The military council planted a lot of landmines in Nanza, Talaingkhin and Kanyinkyo villages.
Q: Some locals said that the military also planted car mines in Talaingza and Nanza villages. Is that right? Please also explain how car mines are more explosive than ordinary mines.
A: The military planted a car mine—MM-2. It is not like MM-4. It usually planted the landmines called M-14. Now, this mine is more explosive than that. Not only does it kill anyone who steps on it, but it harms all living things within five meters.
Q: To what extent, does the KNLA cope with mine clearance?
A: It is difficult to say. Mines are harmless before they are activated, but they are very dangerous after they are activated. The KNLA has no facilities for mine clearance, so we have to be more careful. But battlefield commanders are working on it cautiously.
Q: May I know the KNU’s view on the army’s purpose of planting landmines near the villages and nearby areas?
A: The military council views all the people as its enemies. So, the military council will burn civilian houses, drop bombs with flights, fire heavy shells and enter the villages, steal and loot the public’s properties and plant mines. This is what the military council is doing. I don’t want to comment on anything as this is the evil legacies of the Fascist.
Q: Has the KNU informed and given training to the local people about mine awareness in Nyaunglebin District?
A: Under the leadership of the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP), the KNU is working on mine educational and awareness programs under the MRE. The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) has also carried out awareness activities. Currently, the KNU-affiliated Health Department is conducting basic first aid training.
Q: Currently, how many people have been killed and wounded by landmines planted by the military council in Nyaunglebin District?
A: The landmines planted by the military council resulted in casualties. If you ask the KNU’s information department for the exact number, you will get more complete information.
Q: If the KNU wants to convey a message to the public through the media, let me know.
A: The military council planted landmines after the withdrawal from villages. The public should avoid entering the villages shortly after their withdrawal and need to inform the KNU in advance. The public need to cooperate with the troops in the front line and tell them if they see anything suspicious and tell them to return to the village only after the area is safe.
Q: Finally, if you want to add anything else, please let me know.
A: This is a time of intense fighting. So, security is the first priority. I would like to call on the public to dig bomb shelters at every house. The military council is firing heavy weapons into the village almost every day. I would like to call on the public to always be careful and to help each other. Our KNLA was born from the public. So, the public is requested to support it.
Sent by KIC.