Rakhine State, Myanmar – A tragic incident occurred in Nga Tan Pyin village under Minbya township of Rakhine State when an old remnant bomb exploded, resulting in the death of a villager and serious injuries to his daughter on April 6th.
The victim, U Hla Kyaw Khaing, 58, picked up the remnant bomb from his backyard, leading to the fatal explosion that took his life on the spot. His daughter, Ma Phyu Ma Chey, 28, was also severely injured in the blast.
Local residents suspect that remnants of war, possibly planted by junta forces who were previously stationed in the area, caused the tragic incident. The presence of these remnants continues to pose a threat to the safety of villagers.
Nga Tan Pyin village, which once served as a base for junta soldiers, has been facing ongoing challenges and dangers resulting from the conflict in the region. Previous airstrikes, artillery shell firings, and violent encounters have left the village devastated, with reports of casualties and atrocities committed by military personnel.
Following the takeover of Minbya township by the Arakan Army (AA), many villagers who had fled the area returned to Nga Tan Pyin. However, concerns remain high regarding the presence of landmines and remnant bombs, highlighting the urgent need for clearance and safety measures in the village.
One particularly concerning incident involved Maung San Win (aka Bar Gyi), a 25-year-old mentally ill individual from Yan Taing village, who was seriously injured in a remnant bomb explosion on March 14th. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities in conflict-affected areas.
Local residents are calling for increased efforts to clear landmines and remnants of war in their village to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of residents. The need for comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies in conflict-affected regions like Rakhine State remains a pressing issue for the protection of civilian lives and the promotion of peace and stability in the region.