CHIN STATE – It was reported that from February 2021 after the military took power to until the end of August 2023 in Chin State, a total of 20 local residents, including children under the age of 18, were killed and 37 people have lost their limbs due to landmines, according to the Chin Human Rights Group.
Many casualties due to landmines are mainly from Falang Township, Hakha Township and Mindat Township, and it is reported that children and the elderly are the most affected.
“Most importantly, the danger of landmines greatly affects the freedom of movement. Some people do not dare to go to agricultural works since the danger of landmines increases. They don’t dare to look for food anymore. When returning home after fleeing the war due to the fighting, the danger of landmines causes a lot of difficulties. These landmines are like a big obstacle for security and food,” Chin Human Rights Group’s managing officer Salai Man Hare Hlyan said.
Majority of the people injured by landmines were due to the landmines planted by junta military army, although there are also a few people injured by landmines from the local defence forces.