Battalions Plant Landmines alongside Thanbyuzayat-Ye Highway: Danger created for plantation workers

January 8, 2024

HURFOM: The revolutionary forces are gaining more control along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye Highway in Mon State. In response, Burmese military battalions are now planting landmines around their battalion positions and in nearby plantations. This development is creating a major risk for plantation workers.

“Landmines are planted around the battalions. Some battalions erected a red sign board stating “Be careful! Landmines are here!”. Now is the time to tap rubber plants. Because we can’t do our work during the productive season, we have a huge problem,” said an owner of a rubber plantation situated near one of the battalions in Southern Ye Township.

There are many Burmese battalions stationed along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye Highway but the junta has not been able to take control of the area. Battalions rely on landmines to protect their bases, according to a member of the Southern Ye Village/ Ward Administration Team.

“All battalions have been protecting themselves with landmines. We’ve warned the villagers not to go to the places where the military is based, put a caution. But if they forget or don’t know about that, there’ll be a huge danger,” said a political analyst from Ye Township.

Armed clashes have been taking place regularly in Ye Township and the military battalions have increased their defensive measures.

In October, 2023, a villager from Maw Ka Nin village, Ye Township stepped on a landmine and sustained serious leg injuries.

According to data collected by HURFOM, at least four victims have been killed and at least 24 victims injured by landmine explosion across Mon State in 2023.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News