Local sources in Karenni (Kayah) State report that landmines have caused ten civilian casualties—including three deaths—in Loikaw Town over the past three months.

Although fighting has subsided in Loikaw, encouraging some displaced residents to return, large sections of the town remain uncleared of landmines. From September to November, seven people were injured and three were killed in mine-related incidents, most occurring in Daw Khu and Naung Yar wards.

A representative from the Shwe Nyaung Pin Social Assistance Group told SHAN that the seven injured civilians suffered severe injuries, including limb loss and damage to their eyes.

“If possible, we want people to return only after these areas are fully cleared. Living like this is extremely dangerous. Ten people were hit by mines in just three months—several lost limbs, and three died. We’re the ones who have to follow up and help them,” he said.

He added that most victims were daily wage laborers who stepped on mines while going to their fields or collecting forest products. One individual lost both legs while gathering tamarind.

A woman from Loikaw said returning residents now avoid bushy paths and forested areas out of fear of hidden explosives.

“We’re terrified of stepping on a mine and becoming disabled. When we walk, we stay in the middle of the road; we don’t dare go near the edges. We can’t say there are no mines, and we don’t even know what one looks like,” she told SHAN.

Last July, the regime permitted IDPs to return to certain wards in Loikaw, claiming they would conduct mine clearance and charging households 100,000 Kyats for the service. However, residents say clearance was carried out only within house compounds—not in the surrounding areas.

On December 3, two men in Pan Kan Ward were injured after stepping on a mine while returning from their farmland. They are currently receiving medical treatment.

In late October, a 12-year-old child was injured by a mine explosion inside a house compound in Mong Lone Ward—an incident that residents say the military attempted to suppress.