Residents of Thaton District in Mon State are living in fear from the frequency of mortar shell attacks and landmine explosions.
In Bilin, Thaton, and Kyaikto townships, landmines have been planted in orchards and even on sidewalks. Cars and motorcycles have been blown up by these landmines, and mortar shells routinely explode in residential villages. These deadly incidents take place without warning or due to armed clashes.
On the evening of November 5th, three youths, including Mg Win Thike Tun, died when a landmine exploded as they were cutting grass for cattle in a field east of Kinmunchon village, Thaton township.
Local residents are no longer able to work on farms, and some have left that sector and switched to other jobs.
“We have a farm to work on. But we do not dare to go. I was afraid of hitting a mine while going to the yard. I had to leave the farm. I have to work at random jobs. Some people don’t have the guts to stay, so they find work elsewhere like guarding tents,” said a local resident.
Due to conflicts in the region, local people are struggling to find work.
Similarly, in Ye Township, where martial law has been declared, local residents worried about mortar shells being fired by the military junta forces.
“We live in fear. I don’t know in advance when the shot will come, so I stay alert. I’m worried because of the shooting right next to us,” said a resident of Kyonlaung Village, Ye Township.
In Ye, Thaton, Bilin, and Kyaikto, where the People’s Defense Forces movement is strong, ongoing clashes persist with the military junta.
In Ye, Thaton, Bilin, and Kyaikto townships, there have been numerous civilian casualties due to landmine and mortar shell explosions.
