MINBYA TOWNSHIP, RAKHINE STATE – A tragic incident unfolded in Nga Tan Pyin village with the explosion of an old remnant bomb on April 6th, claiming the life of a villager and leaving his daughter seriously injured. The bomb, which was picked up from the backyard, detonated around 3 pm, instantly killing 58-year-old U Hla Kyaw Khaing, and severely injuring his 28-year-old daughter, Ma Phyu Ma Chey.
Local residents speculated that the remnants of war may have been planted by junta forces, as they had a base in the area. According to witnesses, the victim inadvertently triggered the explosion while attempting to dispose of the bomb, resulting in the tragic outcome. Nga Tan Pyin village has experienced significant turmoil, with past incidents including airstrikes, artillery shelling, and assaults by soldiers that have left residents fearful and traumatized.
Following the Arakan Army’s control of Minbya township, many displaced villagers from Nga Tan Pyin chose to return home, despite concerns about the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance around the area. One local woman expressed the community’s desire for assistance in clearing their village of these dangerous hazards to ensure their safety and peace of mind.
The dangers of unexploded bombs became all too real when 25-year-old Maung San Win (aka Bar Gyi), a mentally ill resident from Yan Taing village, suffered serious injuries from another remnant bomb explosion on March 14th. These incidents serve as grim reminders of the ongoing risks faced by residents in conflict-affected regions like Nga Tan Pyin village.
Efforts to address the threat of landmines and remnant bombs in the area are crucial for the safety and well-being of the villagers. The tragic events in Nga Tan Pyin underscore the urgent need for comprehensive demining efforts and support for communities affected by conflict-related hazards. As residents mourn the loss of U Hla Kyaw Khaing and pray for the swift recovery of Ma Phyu Ma Chey, the call for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future grows louder in the troubled region of Rakhine State.