Local man steps on landmine and sustains serious injury in Thanbyuzayat

HURFOM: On September 10 ^th , 2024, a local man from Sa Khan Gyi (inside) village, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State stepped on a landmine.  He sustained a serious injury to his legs and abdomen, from the explosion.

35-year-old Ko Ba Htoo and his wife were walking to a rubber plantation to do some cleaning when Ko Ba Htoo stepped on a landmine. 

“ His legs and arms were broken. Lots of landmine debris also penetrated his abdomen. As his injury is serious, he has been transferred from the Thanbyuzayat Hospital to the Mawlamyine General Hospital ,” said a local from Thanbyuzayat Township.

Villagers believe the landmine was planted by the junta’s artillery regiment which is based in Well Ka Le village, Thanbyuzayat Township.

Within two weeks from August 22 ^nd and September 2 ^nd , three men and a woman sustained serious injuries from landmine explosions in Thanbyuzayat Township.

“ Now, there have been five landmine victims in our Thanbyuzayat Township. We worry about stepping on landmines while going to our rubber plantation. Most of the landmine victims have to have their legs amputated so it’s difficult to make a livelihood after such a tragedy ,” said another resident.

There has been constant military tension in Sa Khan Gyi (inside), Yell Ta Gon and Aye Thar Yar villages which are located alongside Thanbyuzayat-Ye Highway Road. Landmine explosions frequently happen in the area, making it even more difficult for villagers to make their livelihood by collecting firewood, mushroom and Elephant Foot Yams in forested areas.

According to the data collected by HURFOM, there have been 19 landmine explosions in Mon State in 2023 killing four villagers and at least 24 villagers suffering injuries.

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