Bu Ri’s life changed irrevocably decades ago when a mine in Myanmar claimed his leg. More recently, six of his family members have faced similar, devastating experiences due to the ongoing civil conflict.
The impact of these explosive devices is starkly illustrated by John New Min and his experience. While clearing mines laid by Myanmar’s military, John and fellow rebels worked tirelessly, using farm tools and bare hands to remove these hidden dangers near homes, farms, and churchyards. In a tragic turn during September 2023, John stepped on a mine. The explosion took his right leg and his vision, making him the seventh family member affected by mines. The legacy of land mine injuries in John’s family includes his grandfather, uncle, and cousin, all of whom lost limbs, while three other cousins died due to these hidden threats.
“It pains me to see that from my generation to my grandchildren’s generation, we are all still suffering because of land mines,” expressed Bu Ri, now 88, reflecting on the distressing continuity of this danger within his family.
The problem has intensified across Myanmar, a byproduct of a civil war now in its sixth year. In 2024, Myanmar reported 2,029 land mine casualties, marking the highest number globally for the second year running, according to Landmine Monitor. Children often find themselves among the victims.
The root of the chaos is traced back to 2021, when the military seized power from a democratically elected government. Facing increasing resistance, the junta has resorted to attacking civilians, including using airstrikes on cultural and communal gatherings and placing land mines in civilian areas.
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