The People’s Administration Team in Mindat Township, 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 concerns that more unexploded ordnance remains to be cleared, necessitating extreme caution from civilians returning to the town. The Mindat Township People’s Administration Team has specifically instructed residents to never handle any suspicious objects or potential mines they might discover in or around homes, buildings, or along roadsides, and to immediately report such findings to relevant authorities.
The liberation of Mindat began on November 9 as part of Operation CB (Chin Brothers), culminating in the complete capture of Infantry Battalion 274 on December 21 and subsequent full control of the town. However, the mines left behind by retreating military council forces continue to pose a serious threat to civilian lives and property. As a result, authorities are urging returning residents to strictly follow mine hazard warnings and to only use designated safe routes when moving around the town. The extensive mining of civilian areas by the military council forces demonstrates their disregard for civilian safety and has created a lasting humanitarian challenge that will require careful and systematic clearance operations to ensure the safe return of displaced residents.
