Border News Agency
Thandwe, October 29.
A child was injured in a landmine explosion in Thit Kauk village, Thandwe Township, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), after handling a mine.
The injured child was identified as 12-year-old Maung Lin Htet Paing, a resident of Thit Kauk village.
The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on October 26, when he accompanied people observing the Buddhist Sabbath to the foot of Kyauk Phayar Mountain, west of the village. He reportedly touched a landmine with his hand, causing it to explode.
The explosion severed four fingers on his right hand. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
Although the Arakan Army has been conducting mine-clearance operations in areas under its control, local residents say civilians continue to face frequent risks from landmines and explosive remnants of war, resulting in repeated deaths and injuries.
The Arakan public revolutionary government has been conducting mine-awareness activities and public education sessions on landmine risks, including regular awareness campaigns and safety warnings.
However, residents say people in Arakan continue to encounter landmines and explosive remnants of war attributed to the military junta. They say further mine-clearance operations and expanded mine-risk education are still needed.
