Narinjara News, 1 July  2022

A cowherd was seriously injured on Friday when he stepped on a landmine, planted by the junta forcesnearby LIB 375 battalion based inKyauktaw locality of  Rakhine State.

The injured individual is identified as U Than Sein Maung (45 years old) hailing from Wet Hmaing villageunder Kyauktaw township.

He was hit by the landmine planted near the railway line at the bottom of hills as he was looking for cattle on the mountain. Locals inform thatthe incident took place at  99 range of Wet Hmaing village at around 1 pm.

"He is now in the Kyauktaw  hospital. Still unconscious and hence he has not talked,” added the locals.

His right leg was amputated below the knee and even the left leg was seriously injured. He also sufferedinjuries to his right hand and forearmtoo, added a rescuer.

“Soon after the incident, soldiers on the mountain came down and examined him and later taken to thehospital. We had a hard time while gettinginside the Sittwe hospital in the evening hours,” he revealed.

Another landmine also exploded on the hills of Apaukwa village under the same township on 30 June,  butnone was injured in the incident.

Within the two months, at least seven landmines exploded insix Rakhine townships and Paletwatownship of Chin State killing four peopleand injuring five others.

The affected Rakhine townships, where the explosions tookplace between 14 and 22 June,include Ann, Minbya, Rathedaung, Maebon, Kyauk Taw and Mrauk-U.