Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 11 April, 2025

A teenage girl lost one of her legs after stepping on an unexploded ordnance mine in Myebon, located in the central region of Arakan (Ralhine) State.

The victim has been identified as Ma Phyo Phyo San, 12 years old, from Kantha Entrance Ward in Myebon.

A resident of Myebon informed Narinjara News that she lost her left leg after stepping on a landmine close to Tawra Kyaung Mountain, situated above Kantawgyi, while searching for vegetables in the jungle on the morning of April 9.

"She trod on it while looking for vegetables. It was a leftover mine that had not detonated, installed by the military council during the conflict. Her left leg was amputated below the knee," he stated.

Many Myebon inhabitants are concerned about the danger of landmines since they reside along riverbanks, close to forests and mountains, as they depend on these areas for their livelihoods, stated a Myebon resident.

"Landmines are increasingly responsible for deaths and injuries in the Arakan State. Landmines have been left by the junta forces in the fields and mountains amid the conflict. I am concerned about the residents. I don't want to lose them again," he stated.

In the month of March alone, a landmine and munitions explosion in the Arakan State resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to 20 others, as reported by Narinjara News.

In the meantime, individuals in the Arakan state are experiencing a lack of food. Locals reported that the occasional threat of landmines hinders their ability to move freely in forests and mountains, and their families are facing greater challenges in their daily lives.