The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) reported that, over a two-year period, 20 civilians, including children and women, were killed due to landmine incidents in Chin State, with an additional 37 individuals suffering injuries.
Salai Mang Hre Lian, the program manager of the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), stated that civilians have been injured and killed as a result of stepping on landmines planted by Military Council troops during military operations in Chin State, where the armed revolution intensified in the wake of the military coup.
Salai Mang Hre Lian explained, "Whenever military operations are carried out, the Military Council often establishes their presence in villages and churches. Subsequently, upon their withdrawal, they lay mines along the routes that people take to return. Consequently, when war-displaced individuals come back to their villages, they inadvertently step on these mines, resulting in tragic fatalities."
In total, 20 individuals lost their lives due to landmines, among them 1 child and 4 women.
Furthermore, a total of 37 people, including 3 children and 11 women, suffered injuries as a result of landmine explosions, and many of them became disabled due to the amputation of their limbs.
Salai Mang Hre Lian stressed that in rural areas where the Military Council carried out operations, displaced residents frequently had to leave their homes. During these displacements, Military Council troops often planted landmines around public areas, roads, and villages, constituting a deliberate attack on the civilian population, as he pointed out.
He conveyed that those affected by the landmines laid by the Military Council encounter substantial obstacles when it comes to upland and farming activities. Moreover, their economic and livelihood situations have become increasingly precarious as a result of these hardships.
In Chin State, when Military Council troops undertake military operations, there is an increased use of landmines. Additionally, Salai Mang Hre Lian stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge and allocating resources to prevent casualties and losses caused by landmines as intensity of the conflict may increase.
Salai Mang Hre Lian stressed, "The critical aspect is for both international and local organizations to impart extensive knowledge for protection against the dangers posed by landmines. It is essential not only to provide knowledge but also to offer the necessary equipment and technical support to prevent harm from landmines."
The CHRO reported that two of the individuals affected by landmines were victims of devices planted by the Chin Defense Forces, while the majority of the remaining incidents were attributed to landmines laid by the Military Council troops.
Between 2021 and 2023, the CHRO reported landmine explosions affecting various townships. There were 11 individuals affected in Falam Township, 10 in Hakha Township, 9 in Matupi Township, 9 in Tedim Township, 7 in Mindat Township, 7 in Paletwa Township, 3 in Thantlang Township, and 1 in Kanpetlet Township.
Before the military coup, intense clashes occurred between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Military Council troops, leading to landmine incidents primarily impacting the people of the Paletwa area. However, following the coup d'état, the number of individuals affected by landmines in Chin State has risen.
