Breaking the vicious cycle of landmines and instability in Myanmar

SUMMARY: On 10 July, a farmer in the rural township of Kutkai, in Myanmar’s northern Shan state, was working in his paddy field when a landmine concealed beneath vegetation exploded, inflicting severe injuries. The victim – a 39-year-old father of three – was rushed to hospital with shrapnel wounds to his left leg, hand and stomach, and fortunately survived. The area where the blast took place is home to multiple armed groups, who have fought the military – known as the Tatmadaw – for generations.