Locals in Mon State and the Mon-Karen border areas, where armed conflict is ongoing, are facing livelihood challenges as they are unable to farm due to the series of landmine explosions in the region.
There have been at least six landmine explosions between the third week of August and the second week of September in Ye Ta Khon village and surrounding areas in Thanphyuzayat Township. A series of landmine explosions have been occurring near military camps, public pathways, village outskirts, and areas where local plantations are situated; the landmines continue to pose a lethal threat to the local residents.
A local from Thanphyuzayat Township mentioned that the lack of knowledge about landmines makes the situation more risky for locals, and awareness programs on landmine safety are needed.“Training about landmines is becoming essential for everyone. Locals don’t know how to avoid the landmines. If they go to their plantation, they should at least know basic precautionary measures.
Even though armed groups placed the landmines, they are not always the ones who suffer the consequences. And since there’s a landmine nearby, locals continue to face livelihood challenges,” the resident said.
As the armed conflict escalated after the military took over, the threat of landmines increased even in areas that used to be landmine-free areas, resulting in many civilians facing landmine-related risk.
Before the military coup, the Mon Civil Society Organization and the New Mon State Party (MNSP) collaborated to conduct landmine awareness programs. However, after the coup, the military’s restrictions prevented further implementation of such programs.
In addition to landmines, locals are also at risk of cluster munitions and explosive remnants, according to a person involved in landmine clearance efforts.
“The fighting is intensifying, and these battle zones are getting closer to residential areas. Besides landmines, locals are also dealing with the threat of unexploded ordnance left behind after wars. Therefore, if there is training on these matters provided to the locals, it would greatly benefit the community,” he explained.
In August, two people were killed, and 20 others were injured in landmine explosions in Mon State. The highest risks of landmines were reported in Bilin, Kyaikto, and Thanphyuzayat Townships.
A report by UNICEF Myanmar reveals that, in the first half of 2024, nearly 700 people were killed or injured due to landmines and explosive remnants of war, with children making up 32% of the total.
