Locals in Kyaukphyu Township in Arakan State report that they are under serious threat from landmines laid by military junta troops, although there has been no heavy fighting in the area so far.
According to local reports, there has been an increase in the number of landmine casualties in the Kyaukphyu Township in recent days.
On 27 September, Maung Maung (24 years old) from Ohn Taw village in Kyaukphyu town was fatally hit by a landmine near Police Battalion No. 32 while he and three companions were searching for bamboo shoots in a place known locally as “Thit Pote Ya Myat Valley”.
A woman from Ohn Taw village said: “He was cut off below the waist, both legs were severed. It took us about four hours to get him to Kyaukphyu Hospital. But he died on the way there from his serious injuries.”
The area, called Thit Pote Ya Myat Valley, is near Police Battalion No. 32, and locals say the junta soldiers planted mines in the area.
“The army often comes to lay mines between Thit Pote Ya Myat and the police battalion. About three days ago, we saw soldiers laying mines on Doe Tan Hill near the police battalion,” said a local resident.
On 17 September, a woman from Toe Cheit Ward in Kyaukphyu was also killed by a landmine while collecting vegetables near Aung Zedi village in an area known locally as “Nga Kar Kyauk Dam”.
Locals report that the military junta has laid many mines near battalions, camps, the Danyawaddy Naval Base and surrounding areas of Kyaukphyu town.
“There is no heavy fighting in Kyaukphyu region yet, but we are very concerned about the mine danger. The junta forces have laid mines everywhere to protect themselves against a possible AA attack on Kyaukphyu town. There are so many of them. In this situation, more and more people are getting injured while searching for food and livelihood,” said a young social activist from Kyaukphyu.
According to the data collected, since November 2023, there have been eight deaths and 13 injuries from landmine incidents in villages such as Aung Zedi, Sein Chon, Ohn Taw, Ku Lar Bar, Ma La Kyun, Pyaing Sayt Kay and Hnan Hpe Taung in Kyaukphyu Township.
Currently, the Arakha Army has blockaded Kyaukphyu town and the junta’s battalions, which has led to a tense military situation. However, some Kyaukphyu residents say that both sides have limitations to engage in combat due to Chinese projects in the area.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)