By Kantarawaddy Times.
Residents of two villages in the southern part of Phru So Township, Karen State, where intense fighting previously took place, are unable to return home due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines, according to reports.
Accidents involving landmines and unexploded ordnance have resulted in at least two deaths and seven injuries in Phru So Township, as stated by local residents.
“Those areas are where the soldiers are present. Some people who fled to the town without knowing the situation and returned later have stepped on landmines while traveling between the two villages. There have even been instances of car tires being blown out due to landmines. Since there are still landmines on the paths we use to fetch water, there is still fear and concern about traveling,” said a Phru So resident.
Locals are also worried about the presence of unexploded ordnance in some houses. Additionally, the presence of landmines in grazing areas for livestock like buffaloes and cows has led to the death of animals due to landmine explosions.
“People are hesitant to return to the village. Some have gone back to work on their farms, but they just go and come back without staying overnight. They are afraid to enter the village and only return to their own homes. They just clear their yards. We haven’t dared to go to the fields or the mountain farms yet; we are still worried,” said a displaced woman.
Although residents want to return and live in the villages affected by the conflict in Phru So Township, the remnants of war continue to cause concern.
It is reported that the two villages located at the southernmost tip of Phru So Township have over 70 households and a population exceeding 200 people.
