The People’s Administration Team in Mindat, Chin State, has confirmed the discovery and seizure of more than 2000 various types of landmines planted by the military council forces, with more still remaining to be cleared. According to Ko Yo Man, the Information Officer of Mindat Township People’s Administration Team, the military council troops had extensively planted various types of mines not only around their military bases but also in civilian residential areas during their occupation of the town.
While mine clearance teams have successfully removed over 2000 mines so far, there are still concerns about remaining unexploded devices that need to be cleared, requiring continued vigilance from the public. Residents planning to return to Mindat have been strictly instructed not to handle any suspicious objects or mines they might discover in or around their homes, buildings, or surrounding areas. Instead, they are directed to immediately report such findings to relevant authorities. This precautionary measure is crucial for ensuring the safety of returning civilians.
The liberation of Mindat began with Operation CB (Chin Brothers) on November 9, culminating in the complete capture of Infantry Battalion 274 on December 21, marking the total control of the town. While reconstruction efforts have begun following the military council’s withdrawal, the presence of mines continues to pose significant challenges to the normalization of civilian life in the area. Mine clearance teams are working diligently each day to locate and remove explosive devices, focusing their efforts on ensuring the safe return and residence of town inhabitants. The extensive mining of civilian areas by the retreating military forces has created a complex and dangerous situation that requires careful and systematic clearing operations to make the town safe for habitation again.
