25 February 2026 – A 57-year-old man from Khuangmual village, identified as Mr Hial Lian, was killed after stepping on a landmine while reportedly heading out to hunt deer yesterday.
The incident occurred on a cabbage plantation hill in Falam township. Villagers heard an explosion around 5:00 pm that evening.
While Mr Hial Lian’s initial absence was not immediately alarming, as he typically returned from night hunting between 10:00 pm and midnight, a search was initiated when he did not return by the following morning.
His body was discovered around noon today. The force of the explosion caused catastrophic injuries, resulting in immediate death at the scene.
Khuangmual village is located in a region that has experienced heavy fighting between the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) and the Chin Defense Joint Forces. The area is on a key military route for SSPC columns and has been the site of previous engagements and ongoing offensives.
The incident has intensified concerns among local residents about the widespread danger posed by unexploded ordnance and landmines in the area. The origin of the mine that caused the explosion remains unknown. – Reporting by Daniel
