A family was hit by a landmine planted by Myanmar Army forces after fleeing their village, which is dominated by the pro-military Pyu Saw Htee militia in Gangaw Township, Magway Region, according to locals.
On 28 January, the 28-year-old woman – one of the four family members who had fled Pyu Saw Htee-dominated Myauk Khin Yan village – was hit by a landmine and lost consciousness due to excessive blood loss. The landmine victim was carried away and rescued by the People’s Defense Forces – Gangaw, said Ko Nway Oo of the defense force.
“They fled because they no longer wanted to live under military rule. And then they stepped on a landmine. We had to travel about eight mines to carry and rescue her. Her condition is no longer a concern as she received timely medical attention,” he continued.
To rescue and carry the injured woman, the members of the PDF Gangaw, YPDF and Hnan Khar Youth Group had to travel about eight miles. Although her condition is no longer a concern, she still needs medical fees and medication, Ko Nway Oo explained.
According to information from locals, around 18 members of the defense forces and local civilians have been hit by mines planted by members of the military council-aligned Pyu Saw Htee militia and Myanmar Army forces in the vicinity of Pyu Saw Htee villages.
Surrounded by PDFs, the Pyu Saw Htee villages currently face a shortage of essential goods. As a result, some Pyu Saw Htee residents and members have defected to the PDFs. According to reports, more than 600 people have defected in the last two months.
The defectors are being provided with relief goods and other personal needs by the People’s Administration Team (locally known as Pa Ah Pha) in the township, locals say.
There are seven Pyu Saw Htee villages in Gangaw Township with a population of nearly 6,000. These villages are currently being controlled under the “Four Cuts” strategy by the People’s Defense Forces.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.