A resident from Wakone Village, located in the eastern forest area of Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region, sustained severe injuries, including the loss of a leg, after stepping on a landmine.

The incident occurred on the morning of January 22 near the creekside of gardens adjacent to the Bo Toe Pwar Mining site near Wakone Village in Dawei Township. While two local men were visiting the gardens in the creek area, a 40-year-old man stepped on a landmine, which exploded. He was subsequently transported to Dawei Peoples Hospital, where his left leg had to be amputated, according to a local resident.

The resident further explained, “On January 12, a warning was issued that the KNLA had planted landmines in the creekside area. Local residents were advised not to use forest paths and to travel only on main roads.”

Due to these circumstances, locals are now fearful of traveling to the gardens in the area. Additionally, some residents from the creekside area have begun relocating back to Wakone Village, the resident added.