One civilian was killed and three others seriously wounded during two days of landmine explosions in Ponnagyun, Minbya, Kyaukbyu and Gwa Townships in Arakan State.
On 23 July, Ko Zwe Aung Aung, 30, from Pauktawpyin village in Ponnagyun Township, had both of his legs severed by a landmine explosion while he was cutting bamboo shoots in the mountains near the village.
“He went to the mountain near the village to search for bamboo shoots. In the past, the military council was stationed there. He stepped on the landmine planted by the military council force,” said a local from Ponnagyun.
On the afternoon of 23 July, Ko Tun Naing Soe,30, from Panmyaung village in Minbya Township, was seriouly wounded when a mine exploded while cutting bamboo shoots on Taungphyu mountain loacted about two miles from the village.
“In the past, the military council soldiers were stationed on Taungphyu mountain. They often planted landmines in the places where they were stationed. It is very dangerous for locals to move there,” a local said.
On 23 July, Ko Pauk Kyaing, 28, from No.2 ward in Kyeintali in Gwa Township died after stepping on a landmine while picking jengkol on the mountain near the town.
Despite being aware of the military council’s practice of planting landmines near roads and forests, locals are compelled to travel for their daily survivals.
Maung Pyi Zaw Phyo, 20, was seriously wounded when a mine exploded while he was searching for vegetables with two companions near Kyauksin mountain, west of Zaydiya ward in Kyaukphyu, on 24 July.
Since January this year, the military council has planted landmines near Aung Zay Di, Ohn Taw, Gone Chain, Hnan Pe Taung, Pyaing Sae Kay and Saing Chon Dain villages, which have access to the town, including Zay Di Ya, Taungyin and Nga La Pway wards, locals said.
With the bloackage of roads and water routes, locals of Arakan State are facing livelihood difficulties due to the ongoing fighting. Despite the risk of mines, they have to go to the forests in search of vegetables.
A local woman from Minbya said, “Despite the risk of landmines, daily wage earners have to go to the forests as they have no other option to earn a living.”
Sent by Aung Htein