Thinzar New, Narinjara News, 25 June 2024

A man and a young woman lost their legs and anotherperson was missing after stepping on a landmine planted by the junta forces.

The victims are identified as U Maung Ni (50 yearsold) and Ma Ah Pu Chey, a teenager, hailing from Don village under TaungupMyoma sub-township.

A local resident informed Narinjara News that theywere gathering firewood from Don village to Karuna dam at around 9 am onTuesday and accidentally stepped on a landmine planted by the junta soldiersnear the dam.

U Maung Ni’s right leg was amputated, while Ma Ah PuChey's right leg sustained serious injuries leading to amputation of both legs.They are now receiving medical treatment in the hospital. The legs wereamputated below the ankles.

Karuna dam provides water to Taungup town. With theapprehension of a possible offensive by the Arakha Army (AA) fighters onTaungup, the junta soldiers increased their military presence and plantedlandmines in various places of the township and nearby villages.

The junta forces scattered landmines across farms,plantations, forests, mountains, fields, dams, etc where local people go forwork. Now the populace is asked to avoid visiting those areas.