July 12th, 2022
The explosions of landmines planted by the military council have resulted in civilian casualties in Arakan State, according to the United League of Arakan/ Arakan Army (ULA/AA).
The junta troops usually plant landmines which may cause a danger to the animals and people, near the stationed places, battalions and headquarters, citing security reasons.
Due to frequent landmine explosions, the locals suffer casualties, U Khaing Thu Kha, Spokesperson of the ULA/AA told the DMG.
“The Myanmar army is mainly responsible for mine explosions. The military doesn’t remove the landmines planted unsystematically near the headquarters. Landmines remain there when they leave the area. There are frequent mine explosions in the places where they were stationed, wounding locals. The planted mines have caused a danger to locals. Due to the military’s landmine planting, the people are wounded. The Myanmar military must be held accountable for its act. However, the Myanmar army never takes responsibility for its acts,” he added.
The ULA/AA doesn’t use the landmines which may be detrimental to the public. We use the mines which can be controlled by technology even if we attack the military with mines.
We don’t plant landmines which may cause a danger to the public, he continued.
In June and July, there are frequent explosions of landmines in Arakan State, resulting in the casualties of farm workers and children.
On July 9th, a grade-nine student from Kazukai village in Ann Township who picked up bamboo shoots died as he stepped on a landmine planted by the Myanmar army near a mountain where the troops are stationed.
On July 8th, two Muslim children from Paung Toke village in MraukU Township, who herded cattle near No.378 Light Infantry Battalion, were seriously wounded as they stepped on a landmine.
On July 4th, a local from Myarlikan village in Kyauktaw Township was killed in a landmine explosion.
On July 1st, a local from Wetmaing village in Kyauktaw Township who was searching for the missing cow, was killed after stepping on a landmine.
From January to July 2022, seven people were killed and 20 others wounded due to the explosion of landmine and explosive remnants of war, according to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC).
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)