Weekly Overview: Human Rights Situation in Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi Region

September 9, 2024

Series of Landmine Explosions in Local Villages Leave Several Injured

In recent weeks, the number of landmine-related injuries has surged in target areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), including Mon State, Karen State and the Tanintharyi region. Landmines continue to be a hazard for civilians, causing death and injury. Unseen often before it is too late, the junta intentionally places landmines in civilian areas. Burma has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty, despite an initiative launched by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in 2003.

In Thanbyuzayat Township of Mon State, several residents suffered severe injuries and life-threatening wounds. These incidents, occurring near the Eon Saw Mon rubber factory and surrounding areas, underscore the growing danger posed by landmines in the region.

On September 2nd, at 2:30 PM, 33-year-old Ko Myint Kyi, a resident of Ayekabar village, was foraging for vegetables near the Eon Saw Mon rubber factory when he accidentally stepped on a landmine. The explosion resulted in severe burns to his left arm and wrist, as well as injuries to his left leg and right eyebrow.

Earlier, on August 30th at 8:20 PM., Ko Kyaw Htut, age 26, was clearing grass in a rubber plantation near the same factory with his mother, Daw Mya when a landmine exploded nearby. Ko Kyaw Htut sustained five shrapnel wounds to his left back and a serious injury to his left arm.

In another incident on the evening of August 30th, 32-year-old Ma Nge Nge Htway from Yetagon Village Thanbyuzayat was severely injured by a homemade mine while walking through a field with her husband. Additionally, on August 22nd, at 9:45 AM, 30-year-old Ko Soe Than from Yetagon village stepped on a landmine while collecting firewood near the village monastery in Thanbyuzayat Township.

Earlier this year, in February, Daw Ma Lay from Ka Rout Pi village lost the lower part of her left leg. She sustained critical injuries to both legs when a landmine exploded while she was gathering firewood in a rubber plantation near her village.

A woman from Ye Tha Khun village, part of the Sakhan Gyi village tract in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine, according to reports.

Since July 18th this year, the junta has intensified military operations to regain highway control. This led to daily clashes after resistance forces took control of the Thanbyuzayat-Ye section of Union Highway No. 8 in 2023.

These tragic incidents highlight the escalating threat of landmines in the area, particularly around the Eon Saw Mon rubber factory, leaving residents in constant fear for their safety.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Analysis, News