Mine event in Myanmar on Fri 9th February 2024

Unexploded landmines found in a school in Kyikemayaw Township

HURFOM: On February 9, 2024, unexploded landmines were found in a school and other locations in Mel Ta Yo village, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State.

Parents and residents are worried about the safety of their children.

“As there have been landmines in the school, there is no safety for the children. It’s a very worrying situation. We’ve reported this to the authorities so they can remove the landmines. Before that, we don’t touch anything,” said a local villager.

At the moment, the location of the landmines has been flagged and surrounded by bricks and plywood.

A battle between the military junta and the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army has been taking place for two months, and active ammunition has been found in the area.

Displaced persons from Mel Ta Yo have begun to return home and the military junta ordered that six villagers must patrol the village every night.

“Some displaced persons came back home. The Burmese army is still in the village. They ordered us to patrol the village with a group of six villagers every night.  We have followed that order for three weeks,” said a Mel Ta Yo resident.