Man loses leg in landmine blast while foraging for broom grass in Lashio Township

A man from Kawnghka Village in Lashio Township, Northern Shan State, had his left leg severed after stepping on a landmine while cutting broom grass.

The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on February 4. U Lawng Hay was harvesting broom grass in a field near his village when he triggered the explosive, according to his younger brother’s statement to the Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO).

“The site is only 10 minutes from the village. Local farmers frequently work in those fields, and we have been cutting broom grass there since our parents’ time, even before the fighting began. Nothing like this had ever happened before,” his brother said.

He added that they do not know which armed group planted the landmine or which group is currently active in the area.

Recalling the incident, U Lawng Hay told the TWO, “After the mine exploded, I realized one of my legs was gone.”

U Laung Haye is currently receiving treatment at Lashio General Hospital and is reportedly in need of financial assistance for his medical expenses.