Minbya Twsp man killed in landmine encounter

27 Jan 2023

DMG Newsroom
27 January 2023, Minbya

A local man was reportedly killed in a landmine blast near Pharpyo Village, part of Arakan State’s Minbya Township, on Friday afternoon, according to family members.

The 53-year-old victim, identified as U Than Shwe Maung, stepped on a landmine on his way to Sangun Hill east of Rahmoung Bridge, about two furlongs from the village, to cut down trees for firewood, said Ko Soe Myint Than, a family member.

“He stepped on a landmine when he went to a hill to cut down timber. He lost his legs. Hearing his screams, the villagers went to see him and he bled to death,” he added.

The victim’s body was sent to the village cemetery and was set to be buried on January 28.

Some junta soldiers from the military’s Light Infantry Battalion Nos.  379, 380, and Light Division No. 55, are currently stationed near the location where the landmine blasted, locals said.

“With the loss of life, the people are no longer safe. The authorities need to do it carefully so that such lives are not lost in the future. During the ceasefire between the military and the Arakan Army, I would like the relevant officials to clear the landmines,” said a human rights activist in Minbya.

While the renewed hostilities between the Myanmar military and the AA in Arakan State have stopped, the death toll from landmines is gradually increasing.

A Muslim boy was reportedly killed and three others were injured in a landmine explosion near Phoe Khaung Chaung Village in Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township on January 26.

Since November 26, two people have been killed and five others injured in landmine explosions in Arakan State.

At least 64 civilians were killed and 162 others were injured by landmine explosions, stray gunfire and artillery strikes in Arakan State and Paletwa Township last year, a DMG tally found.