The Deputy Speaker of Mon State Hluttaw, Dr. Aung Naing Oo condemned those who laid landmines in Ye Phyu Township, the Tanintharyi region which has caused serious injury to innocent civilians.
“No matter how or which group has caused the [landmines explosion], we strongly condemn it, we do not want this unacceptable incident to happen and urge [those responsible] not to do so. If there is a political problem, then try to find a solution through the political system. In the case of the armed group’s issue, armed groups should help to find a solution.
Or if it is a territory dispute, we want to urge [respective authorities] to find an answer. We want it to be resolved peacefully,” said Dr. Aung Naing Oo.
On the morning of March 11th, Myauk Chaw villager from Ye Phyu Township, Nai Bai was seriously injured by a landmine explosion while fixing plumbing near Ka-Lay.
Approximately an hour later, another landmine exploded on the main road near Aine-Shay village, leaving another villager, Nai Win Hlaing with severe injuries to both legs.
The landmine explosions severely wounded Nai Bai’s right leg and Nai Hlaing’s left leg, and both of them had their legs amputated below the knee. They are now hospitalized at Ye Town Public hospital.
Mon monk, Ashin Uk Kong Sah (a former political prisoner) suggested the respective political parties join together and collaborate with civilians to find out what are the root causes behind the placement of the landmines.
“The landmines are not owner-less mines. That’s why, the civilians and the government along with armed group parties such as the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Karen National Union (KNU) as well as political parties in the Tanintharyi region must find out who is the owner of the landmines.
It is the responsibility of all the political parties to unite with the people and to identify who laid the landmines and to whom they belong,” said, Ashin Uk Kong Sah.
He added that further incidents could occur if political parties and respective authorities do not resolve the use of landmines.
Ye Phyu Township, falls under the jurisdiction of of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement NCA. Signatories to the agreement include, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Karen National Union (KNU).
Since 2017, despite the NCA agreement banning the use of landmines, there have been more than 10 landmines explosions. Most of the people injured by landmine explosions are those who work in plantations in the area.
No political party, ethnic armed organization or individual(s) have claimed responsibility, nor has any investigation resulted in any formal charges being filed.
