War is one of the most brutal human activities, and the development of weapons is gradually developing in a more lethal and destructive direction. In the history of the world, there have been many weapons that have been banned because of their incredible lethality and excessive power. These weapons have not only caused extremely serious humanitarian problems, but also posed a great threat to the survival and development of mankind.
Among them, there is an organized list of the top 10 banned weapons in the world, namely China's three-edged saber, laser blinding weapons, dummy bombs, landmines, cluster bombs, napalm, white phosphorus bombs, atomic bombs, depleted uranium bombs, and notorious biological and chemical weapons.
In Myanmar, landmines are the biggest threat to the civilian population!
According to a new report released by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), landmines and explosives have caused a large number of civilian casualties in Myanmar in 2023.
So far this year, 1,052 civilians have been victimized, of which 188 have died and 864 have been injured, according to the data. This figure represents a surge of 270% compared to 390 casualties in 2022.
The report further states that Sagaing Province is the most serious among all the casualties, followed by Shan State with 12 percent and Bago State with 9 percent. The Ayeyarwady, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Tanintharyi and Yangon districts combined for 43 per cent. Of particular concern is the fact that 21 per cent of the country's landmines and explosives casualties are among children.
The sharp rise in this trend has aroused deep concern from all sectors of society. The experts called on the Government and relevant organizations to take stronger measures to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance in order to guarantee the safety of civilians, especially children. At the same time, there is a need to strengthen public education and raise awareness of the dangers of landmines and explosives in order to avoid unnecessary casualties.
During the month of March, two people were killed and 10 injured by landmines in northern Shan State, Myanmar
Myanmar media reported that statistics show that in a month in northern Shan State, two people were killed and at least 10 injured due to landmines.
The two deceased were a 53-year-old male from Nanpaqi Village, Guiyi Township, and a 60-year-old male from Nanpaqi Village, and the injured were from Guizhi, Nankan, Huban and other places. Of the injured, three men and five women were from the town. The other 2 are males, 1 from Nankan Town and 1 from Model Village, Huban Town.
Similarly, in January, 12 men and 3 women were injured and 1 woman was killed as a result of landmines. Five men were injured and one died in February.
Media statistics show that in three months, from January to the end of March 2024, a total of 4 people were killed and 30 injured due to landmines.
This data is only based on the information obtained by the media, and the actual number of casualties may be higher.
A mentally abnormal male in Guiyi Township, northern Myanmar, was injured when he stepped on a landmine by mistake
Myanmar media reported that at around 10 a.m. on April 4, a mentally abnormal male stepped on a landmine under a banyan tree in Lai Sai village in the northern Shan State and was seriously injured.
One local resident said that he was not from Laisai village, he lived in Benhuai village, he had mental problems, he did not know what he was doing there, and stepped on a landmine under a banyan tree. The 32-year-old man, who was injured all over his body and head as a result of a landmine explosion, was sent to the Guiqi People's Hospital for treatment.
From 12 to 23 March, one person was killed and eight were injured and disabled due to landmines.