July 5th, 2022
A 35-year-old man who was seriously injured in a landmine explosion in Myarlikan village in Kyauktaw Township in Arakan State died.
U Hla Maung stepped on a landmine on the afternoon of July 4th while tending his cows on his farm located about one mile from No.377 Artillery Battalion. His one leg was cut off and the other leg seriously injured.
“The mine exploded on a hill near his farmland. He was sent to Apaukwa hospital. I could not save his life. He died while receiving treatment at the hospital, Ko Than Tun Hlaing, the younger brother of the victim says.
“We are really scared to continue doing our work. We are very worried as we face such an incident even on our own farmland. I am really sorry for my brother,” he adds.
The people from the rural areas in Arakan State are very worried about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war as they have to rely on the forests for their livelihood.
Locals have called on the relevant armed organizations to immediately carry out the clearance of landmines.
On July 3rd, a man from the upper Khacheemyaung village in Phonetharchaung village in Minbya Township was seriously injured as he stepped on a landmine. His right leg was cut off. He is receiving emergency treatment at Minbya Hospital.
On July 1st, a 40-year-old man from Wethmaing village in Kyauktaw Township was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine while searching for his missing cows. His leg was cut off. He died while receiving medical treatment at the Sittwe People’s Hospital.
The number of casualties caused by explosive remnants of war has increased although there have been no clashes in Arakan State.
From January to July 4th, 2022, six people were killed and 18 others injured due to landmines and explosive remnants of war, according to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC) which is compiling the list of casualties.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)