Locals abandoned plantations due to landmine explosions

July 11, 2022

HURFOM: Locals from Kyaung Shar Kwin area, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division have told HURFOM that they had to abandon their plantation due to landmines.

“A landmine exploded near my plantation. After that, I have not gone back. Another explosion can take place any time,” said a local plantation owner from the Kyaung Shar Kwin area.

Between late 2019 and 2020, there have been 10 victims who suffered from landmine explosions in Yebyu Township. Five victims were from the Kyaung Shar Kwin area. Local plantation owners have been frightened to go to their lands due to frequent explosions.

“I’ve abandoned my plantation. I am afraid to go there. All landmine victims have been my neighbors. If I were injured, my family would be in trouble. That’s why I’ve abandoned my betel nut plantation for three years now,” said a plantation owner from A Lae Sakan village.

Both ethnic armed organizations – the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Karen National Union (KNU) are active in this area, but no group has taken responsibility for the landmines.

The Dawei District NMSP office released a statement on March 16, 2020 stating that both NMSP and KNU had a responsibility for finding a solution that would end the use of landmines in the area.

“My betel nut plantation is ten years old. There was a landmine explosion on the way to my plantation. But what can I do to respond? This plantation is the sole source of our livelihood. So I have to go to my plantation with fear,” said one land owner.

It is estimated that approximately 200 plantation owners work roughly 2,000-acre of land in the Kyaung Shar Kwin arena, which is controlled by the KNU.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News