A civilian died on Saturday from injuries sustained after stepping on a landmine in Mong Kyat tract in northern Shan State’s Lashio Township, according to a local source.

Sai Yihaw and his brother were on their way home to their farm by foot when Sai Yihaw stood on the mine. He was killed instantly by the blast.

“We do not know who planted the landmine,” said Sai Long, a resident in Mong Kyat tract. “The Tatmadaw [Burmese armed forces] used to be based nearby in Kunlong, and many armed groups laid minefields around here.”

In addition to the Tatmadaw’s Light Infantry Battalion 312, several other militias are known to be active in the area: the Manpang People’s Militia; the Kachin Defense Army (KDA); the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA); and the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

The local source told Shan Herald that following Sai Yihaw’s death, his brother was too afraid to carry his body back to the village for fear of reprisals. Instead he reported the matter to the local authorities and requested help from local MPs.

Sai Wan Leng Kham, an MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) representing Lashio Township, said, “As a government representative, it is very difficult to undertake development plans in this area because of the ongoing conflict. We do not know where and when fighting will erupt and where all the mines are hidden.

“I urge all sides to put an end to this cycle of violence, and to cease reinforcing their troops in this area,” he said, adding: “They should bring these matters to the negotiation table.”

On February 8, another landmine explosion was reported in this area, according to local resident Sai Naw, who told Shan Herald that three water buffalos had been killed in the blast.”

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)