“While I stepped on a landmine, my comrades ran away from me. I understood the situation that the enemy was approaching, and they might be afraid. So, I had to hop back with one leg. I hopped to a place far from the enemy. In situation when I couldn’t hop anymore, I crawled back like a crocodile,” recounted sniper Khu Thae, describing the moment that changed his life.
In September 2025, during a battle to seize a junta base in Hpasawng, Khue Thae lost one of his legs after stepping on an enemy-laid landmine planted near the enemy’s camp.
The moment the mine exploded, his comrades scattered in every direction for various reasons, leaving him alone in the field. Despite losing a leg, he refused to surrender to the junta forces. Instead, he turned his pain into determination and dragged himself away to safety. This is such a powerful display of endurance and courage that continues to inspire others.
It was late afternoon, almost sunset, so before dark, he spent more than an hour crawling and dragging himself across the ground until he reached his unit’s position. When he arrived, Khu Thae’s body was covered in blood, wounds, and dirt. Thus, he escaped enemy hands, and from there, he was taken to a hospital for surgery and treatment.
“It happened in the late afternoon, so it was very difficult for my comrades to help. By the time I reached the main hospital, it was already morning. They took me straight into surgery,” said Khu Thae.
Now, Khu Thae is in a secure location to receive further treatment for his wounds.
Khu Thae is one of the young people who completely oppose the military coup. Before the coup, he had been working in a neighboring country. When the military seized power in 2021, he returned to his home state and chose the path of armed revolution.
Having experienced the military’s oppression since he was old enough to understand, he opened up about wanting to participate in this revolution from the side he could.
“I remember fleeing from the military when I was so young. Without even being able to take clothes, the main goal was just for the person to escape, so even my parents couldn’t pay attention. I just ran wherever I wanted to escape. That memory stayed with me all my life. So now, I want to give back in whatever way I can,” he said.
As a revolutionary fighter, he had already understood and accepted that life is always at risk and injuries causing bloodshed could be encountered at any time. Therefore, when he actually faced it, he was able to confront and overcome it bravely. That’s why he holds the belief that there is no regret for having sacrificed a leg for this revolution.
He also said that once his wounds heal, there is still much work left for the revolution, and he will continue to participate moving forward.
“Right now, while receiving treatment, there’s no need to be stressed. I am also suffering from injuries. I can’t do better for my people anymore. But there’s no need to be discouraged. When our wounds disappear, there are still many things we can do even better than before. There is still a path I must take, many things I must do,” he said.
Like Khu Thae, many young comrades have lost limbs in battle. At the place where Khu Thae is receiving treatment, around 30 comrades share similar injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation together.
For these wounded fighters, the most important thing is mental well-being. The writer has met others who, unable to bear the trauma of their injuries, took their own lives. Yet most remain determined that they are committed to healing and rejoining the fight for freedom.
Another injured comrade, Khu Mi Reh, emphasized that when they are feeling down, people should frequently come to encourage them, talk to them, and mental-boosting programs should be conducted regularly.
“Many comrades who’ve lost their limbs struggle with depression and hopelessness. They often think, they can’t do anything anymore. But if we organize regular mental support sessions like encouragement talks or group activities, it can help them regain confidence and realize they’re not alone. That belief will make them stronger and happier,” said Khu Mi Reh.
Khu Mi Reh, like Khu Thae, is still receiving medical treatment for leg injuries caused by a junta-laid landmine. While being treated for their wounds, being far from their families due to various circumstances, and the need to keep patients isolated, also makes loneliness familiar to the injured comrades.
A 45-year-old woman responsible for providing food and drink for comrades like Khu Mi Reh and Khu Thae, who are still undergoing treatment, said that whenever she sees the comrades, she really feels sad. However, apart from being able to cook and provide nutritious food that strengthens them for recovery, she confessed that she can’t do anything else.
“It breaks my heart to see them like this. I try my best to cook nutritious food and encourage them to eat well. I talk to them to motivate them. But, sometimes my cooking might not be good, yet I still do whatever I can to help them regain their strength,” she said.
Since the coup, countless young people have lost their rights, dreams, and hopes. Many who once believed they could shape their own future now find themselves living with permanent injuries. It’s natural that they struggle with depression, anxiety, and despair.
Some have even taken their own lives under the weight of those emotions. That is why, for the countless young people who have sacrificed parts of their bodies and are still healing, psychological support and encouragement are essential.
