Two Individuals Lose Legs in Rathidaung Landmine Incidents Within a Week

In Rathidaung Township, Rakhine State, it has been reported that two individuals lost their legs within a week due to stepping on landmines.

The individuals who lost their legs are 23-year-old Ko Maung San Lin from Ball Lone Kwin new village, Northeast Ward, Rathidaung Township, and 57-year-old U Koe La from Northeast Ward.

 A resident of Rathidaung informed Narinjara News that at around 11 AM on January 3, Ko Maung San Lin stepped on a landmine while crabbing on the banks of the Mayu River.

The resident stated, "Families are facing livelihood hardships, resorting to finding crabs and fish for sustenance. This morning, he went crabbing on the banks of the Mayu River, right in front of the 537th Battalion. He stepped on a landmine while crabbing."

 A family member informed Narinjara News that Ko Maung San Lin lost his entire right knee after stepping on a landmine, and the family is grappling with financial difficulties to cover the cost of medical treatment.

"People in our town are offering assistance to the best of their ability. However, facing their own crisis, their support is limited. Recently, another person lost a leg. Even amid the struggle for sustenance, the financial burden of medical treatment is proving to be extremely difficult,” said a family member.

 On January 1, U Koe La, a 57-year-old from Northeast Ward in Rathidaung Township, lost one of his legs while herding cattle, as he stepped on a landmine planted by junta forces.

According to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC), there have been 76 deaths from landmines in Rakhine State from 2018 to 2023, with 8 reported in 2023.