By: Hafizur Rahman, Camp Correspondent
February 6, 2025 – Maungdaw, Rakhine State
A landmine explosion in Gon Nar Village—located in the Shwe Zar village tract of Maungdaw Township—has left three people injured, including a two-year-old child, according to local sources. The blast, which occurred today around 4:00 PM within a home compound, has raised urgent calls for demining operations in the area.
Details of the Incident
The victims have been identified as:
- Moshahea Ata (2 years old)
- Manur Kainda (30 years old) – who suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his right leg
- Kyaw Myint Naing (28 years old)
A local resident recounted,
“The explosion happened inside a home compound. One person lost a leg, and the impact injured a nearby child and another man.”
Community Demands for Urgent Demining
Rohingya communities in the region have repeatedly called on the Arakan Army (AA) to clear landmines from several affected areas. A Rohingya elder from Shwe Zar village stated,
“Our village still has many unexploded landmines and war remnants that continue to harm civilians. Near Shwe Zar Bridge, in a village called Gon Nar, the Myanmar military once occupied homes and used them as bases. Other villages also remain littered with landmines. Recently, an explosion in Gon Nar injured returning Rohingya, causing some to lose their legs. The AA should urgently clear all landmines in Shwe Zar and Gon Nar villages.”
Residents also report the presence of mines between Intu La–Shwezar Bridge and Puzun Kan—areas where both the Myanmar military and the AA are said to have planted explosives. Mines are further reported in Zulaar and Horitula villages within the Myou U area. While some displaced Rohingya have been allowed to return to Myou U, villagers in Zulaar have not, with many homes reportedly destroyed by fire.
A History of Landmine Incidents
This is not the first incident in Gon Nar Village:
- February 5, 2025: A man lost his leg when a landmine exploded inside his home.
- January 29, 2025: A child died after stepping on a landmine inside a house.
Residents of Gon Nar, who were displaced by fighting in Maungdaw in June 2024, began returning on January 18, 2025. However, since their return, multiple landmine incidents have underscored the ongoing risks facing the community.
Escalating Landmine Threat in Rakhine State
In recent weeks, Rakhine State has seen an increase in landmine explosions and unexploded ordnance (UXO) incidents, resulting in additional injuries and fatalities. Local villagers are now demanding immediate demining efforts and assistance for the victims as the persistent threat of landmines continues to jeopardize lives and obstruct the safe return of displaced communities.
