A landmine explosion in Khawea village in Paletwa Township in southern Chin State killed four children on the spot and seriously injured one.

The explosion occurred at around 11:00 AM on May 9, as children playing in a peanut plantation on the riverbank near Khawea village inadvertently stepped on a landmine.

“The incident took place near our village's riverbank. With the hot weather, children often swim there to cool off after playing in the nearby peanut fields. While playing together, one of them stepped on a landmine, setting off an explosion that inflicted collateral damage on others nearby”, the secretary of the Interim Khumi (Chin) Affairs Coordination Council (IKACC) said.

The landmine explosion instantly claimed the lives of Maung Aung Tun, Maung Lin Myat, and Maung Aung Lin Tun, all 8-year-olds, along with 11-year-old Maung Aung Soe Lin. Their funeral took place later that evening.

According to villagers, 8-year-old Maung Aung Soe, younger brother of Maung Aung Lin Soe, also suffered severe injuries from shrapnel to his abdomen and body. Currently, he is undergoing treatment in the village, with his life remaining in precarious condition.

The landmine exploded in an area previously occupied by the Junta troops, but it is now under the control of the Arakha Army (AA).

"Before, Junta troops were there, so it looks like it might have been a Junta minefield. But now, those spots are under AA control. We still do not know who planted the landmine that went off recently”, IKACC secretary said.

The location of the explosion is now designated as a danger zone, and access for people has been restricted.

Khawea, a village near the border with Lawngtlai District of Mizoram State in India, is home to about 150 houses. Previously, Junta troops were stationed in the village, but they left in March.