Border News Agency
Maungdaw, May 12
People helping and local villagers say that three mine-injured patients from Maungdaw Township are currently in urgent need of assistance.
According to villagers, a resident of Yay Nout Nga Thar village in Maungdaw Township stepped on a landmine on May 10 and lost his left leg.
They said U Aung Htwe, a 50-year-old resident of Yay Nout Nga Thar village in Maungdaw Township, lost his left leg after stepping on a landmine, and also suffered injuries to his right leg due to shrapnel, requiring emergency medical treatment.
Villagers said he stepped on a landmine on May 10 while going to collect bamboo shoots near Anauk Taung, close to Tamanthar village.
In addition, two residents of Thiho Aye village in Maungdaw Township were also injured after stepping on landmines on May 3.
According to villagers, Maung Par Swar, a 13-year-old from Thiho Aye village, lost his left leg, while Maung Htun Sein, aged 22, had his right leg amputated above the knee.
They said both of them stepped on landmines while foraging for vegetables on a hill near Thiho Aye village on May 3, and are now in need of medical assistance and support.
Those assisting the victims said the three individuals who stepped on landmines belong to minority communities and rely on forest resources for their livelihoods, so they are in urgent need of financial assistance for medical treatment.
The Arakan Army has been carrying out mine clearance operations in the townships under its control, but civilians continue to frequently face the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance. According to local residents, injuries and deaths caused by landmines still occur regularly.
Because of this, local civilians, including internally displaced persons, are facing hardships in securing basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, and are also dealing with serious security challenges, according to residents of the Maungdaw area.
They added that due to ongoing fears of landmines and unexploded ordnance, they want the Arakan Army as well as the international community to assist in clearing these mines to ensure their safety.
Those working to support persons with disabilities say that, in the final phase of the Arakan war, there is a pressing need for aid and support materials for people who have become disabled due to landmine injuries and armed clashes.
