Ponnagyun man killed after stepping on landmine

Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 26 August 2024

A man was killed after he stepped on a landmine in Ponnagyun township of Arakan State. The deceased is identified as U Maung Kyaw Htay (37) hailing from Thar Si village under the township.

According to the Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA), which assisted him, U Maung Kyaw Htay accidentally stepped on a landmine planted by the junta forces at around 4  pm on 24 August. The explosion severed his right leg below the knee and caused severe injuries.

PYA reported that he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but died upon arrival. The PYA statement did not specify the exact location where the land mine exploded.

Narinjara News tried to contact the PYA and the deceased's family for additional details but remains unable to do so due to technical difficulties.

At least two people were killed by landmine explosions in Thar Si village in the three months.

In Arakan State, often the rural residents go for fishing and foraging and accidentally  step on landmines in the forests and die or injure severely.

The social activists emphasize on the increasing awareness about the land mines and also demand a stricter restriction on entering such hazardous areas.

On 13 July, the Arakan Army (AA) issued a warning to the civilians to be cautious about land mines. It urged the people to avoid areas around the  military camps as well as  temporary stations of junta forces and other known danger zones. They also asked the residents to avoid foraging and grazing cattle in such dangerous areas.

Photograph: A person killed after stepping on a landmine in Thar Si village. Courtesy PYA