The People’s Administration Team in Mindat, Chin State, has confirmed the discovery and seizure of more than 2,000 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 laid mines not only around their military bases but also in civilian residential areas before their withdrawal.
The battle for Mindat began on November 9 as part of Operation CB (Chin Brothers), culminating in the complete capture of Infantry Battalion 274 on December 21. However, before retreating, the military council forces had planted numerous mines throughout the city, leaving significant dangers for returning civilians. While mine clearance teams have successfully removed over 2,000 mines so far, authorities warn that more unexploded devices likely remain in various locations throughout the city. The extensive mining of civilian areas demonstrates the military council’s disregard for civilian safety and international humanitarian law.
The Mindat Township People’s Administration Team has issued strict warnings to returning residents about the dangers of unexploded ordnance. They have specifically instructed civilians not to attempt to remove any suspicious objects or mines they might discover. Instead, residents are directed to immediately report any suspicious items to relevant authorities, emphasizing that only trained explosive ordnance disposal experts should handle such devices. The administration has particularly stressed the importance of careful inspection around homes, buildings, roadsides, and surrounding areas, as these locations are where the military council forces frequently planted explosive devices before their withdrawal. This systematic mining of civilian areas has created significant challenges for the safe return of displaced residents to their homes.
