Since the military coup, around 150 civilians in Karenni State have lost limbs due to military-weapons. The affected victims primarily reside in displacement camps across the state , according to a representative from the Women and Children’s Department of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), speaking to kantarawaddy Times.
The injuries are mainly caused by airstrikes, heavy artillery shelling, and landmine explosions, the official stated.
Except for Loikaw Township, the military council has lost control over all other townships in Karenni State. Although there have been no major battles during October and November this year, airstrikes by the military council continue.
It is reported that The IEC’s Women and Children’s Department, in collaboration with women’s organizations, is providing psychological and physical support to those who have been disabled due to the war conflict.
“For now, what we can manage is providing emergency financial assistance, covering medical and travel expenses, and offering counseling and emotional support,” said Agg Thar Nu Nu, the head of the Women and Children’s Department.
Landmine risks not only affect the population of Karenni State but are also prevalent in all conflict-affected areas across Myanmar..
According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), 1,003 people were killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war in Myanmar in 2023, making it the country with the highest number of landmine-affected casualties globally. On November 20, the ICBL reported that Myanmar surpassed Syria, which had held the record for the highest number of landmine casualties for three consecutive years.
In Karenni State, landmines are often planted in villages and areas previously occupied by the military council, posing a significant threat to displaced persons attempting to return home.
“If the military council was stationed in an area, it’s almost certain that landmines were left behind after their withdrawal,” said a resident of Dee Maw Hso Township.
Between 2021 and October 2024, approximately 100 people in Karenni State lost their lives due to landmine explosions, the IEC reported.
Currently, there are 899 individuals with physical disabilities in displacement camps within Karenni State, around 150 of whom were injured as a direct result of war conflict, according to the IEC.
In addition to those with physical disabilities, the IEC’s records show that there are approximately 900 individuals in Karenni State with congenital disabilities, including hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments.
