12 March 2026 – An 11-year-old boy was killed and an 8-year-old child seriously injured after an unexploded ordnance (UXO)—a dud shell previously fired by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military—detonated in Ramthlo village, Falam township yesterday at approximately 11:00 am.
The two children were reportedly handling the shell, which was located under a cherry tree, when it exploded.
The deceased was identified as 11-year-old Johan Thawng Tha Thang, who died instantly at the scene. The 8-year-old, whose name has not been released, sustained severe injuries and has been transported to Hakha General Hospital for urgent treatment. Local reports, which remain unconfirmed, suggest the injured child may have lost a leg in the blast.
Local residents told the Lungmili Post that the shell had been known to villagers for some time, but no one had attempted to remove it or contact the local defence groups for disposal.
“It is regrettable that we did not contact the local defence group,” one resident stated, highlighting the danger that unaddressed UXOs pose to civilian communities, particularly children, in conflict-affected regions.
The widespread presence of UXO, including landmines and unexploded artillery shells, remains a critical humanitarian concern across Chin State and other conflict areas in Myanmar. These remnants of war continue to cause civilian casualties long after fighting has moved on. – Reporting by Daniel
