Three Bangladeshis were killed in landmine explosions in a border area of Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban today.
The incident took place around 10:00am in Bhalukia Para area under Ghumdhum union, near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, said Naikhongchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mozammel Haque.
The deceased were identified as Akyamong Tanchangya, 40; Chingkshong Chakma, 34; and Chopoching Chakma, 32 -- all residents of Bhalukia Para.
According to local sources, the three men had gone to clear weeds from their banana plantation in the border area when a landmine exploded, killing Akyamong on the spot.
When the other two attempted to rescue him, two additional explosions occurred, killing Chingkshong and Chopoching.
Bimal Tanchangya, a resident of Bhalukia Para, alleged that members of the armed Rohingya group, ARSA, frequently moved through and stayed in the border area and often took shelter in local plantations.
The OC said efforts are underway to recover the bodies and inspect the site.
Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Enamul Hasan said it cannot be confirmed at this moment who planted the mines.
“Preliminary information suggests the explosions occurred in the no-man’s-land area along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border,” he said.
FP/MI
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