Two children were injured when an explosive remnant of war (ERW) exploded outside Paung Toke Ywar Thit village, in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township, on Monday afternoon.

Eight-year-old Mamat Ju Naing suffered serious abdominal injuries and 9-year-old Noor Hashim sustained serious injuries to both legs, according to U Daw Yar, a 100-household head.

“The two children picked up a bomb from the field, pelted it with rocks, and it exploded while playing. Both children were injured in the blast and the home’s wall of bamboo matting was damaged,” he told DMG.

At present, the two injured children are being treated at Myaungbwe Hospital, and a team of policemen and soldiers are reportedly investigating the incident.

“My son has a sprained ankle. As a father, I feel sorry for my son, even though I don’t have to worry about risking my life. I was also worried that my son would become a disabled person. If his injury does not improve, he will be treated at Mrauk-U Hospital,” said U Soriano, the father of Noor Hashim.

About 70 people were killed and over 100 others were injured in encounters with landmines and ERWs during some two years of fighting between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State.

A ceasefire quelling a once-fierce conflict in Arakan State has held up for more than a year. Over 100,000 IDPs have returned to their homes since the fighting stopped, but tens of thousands more remain in displacement camps — for many of whom, fear of landmines and ERWs has left them reluctant to attempt the return.