The NMSP alleges that the mines have been planted to create fear and instability in Yephyu Township.

Three landmines went off on Monday in Yephyu Township in Tanintharyi Region, adding to a recent string of explosions in the area, said representatives from the New Mon State Party (NMSP).

The blasts occurred in an NMSP-controlled area near Myauk Chaw village between 8 a.m. and noon on January 7. No people were injured, but one buffalo was killed and two motorbikes were damaged.

Nai Win Hla, who is in charge of NMSP’s interior affairs, said that the location of recent explosions are closer to an NMSP camp and further from previous landmine incidents in Yephyu township.

“The landmines went off in a w location. It’s a bit far from the area where there were previous landmine blasts. There are farms along the road where the landmines exploded,” he told NMG.

Nai Win Hla alleged that those who had placed the mines in the area had intended to frighten locals.

Four landmine explosions occurred near Yephyu’s Ahlae Sakhan village in October and November of last year, leading to serious injuries and casualties.

Forces from the NMSP and the Karen National Union (KNU) are active in the area where the mines have gone off. The NMSP—which says it has not used landmines for more than 20 years—has accused the KNU of planting the explosives. The KNU has denied the allegations.

The NMSP said that the landmines are also tied to illegal logging in the area.

The NMSP and KNU clashed at least since times in the region between 2016 and 2017.