Landmine blast kills 3 Rohingya near Myanmar border

By Mutasim Billah

DHAKA, Bangladesh

At least three Rohingya refugees were killed and another injured on Sunday in a landmine explosion near Myanmar's border with Bangladesh.

The explosion took place at Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari border in Bangladesh while the refugees were fleeing violence in Rakhine state, said a security official quoted by the daily Dhaka Tribune.

On Saturday, human rights body Amnesty International warned that the Myanmar military had placed deadly mines on its border with Bangladesh, to prevent the return of refugees.

Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, minister for disaster management and relief, said on Saturday, that Bangladesh is allocating 2,500 acres (3.9 square miles) of land to shelter the Rohingya people.

He added that the refugees will be registered using biometric system.

The U.S. on Saturday appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis.

“We applaud the government of Bangladesh’s generosity in responding to this humanitarian crisis and appreciate their continued efforts to ensure assistance reaches the affected population,” said a statement released by the U.S. department of State.

Rohingya, described by the UN as the world’s most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

Last October, following attacks on border posts in Rakhine’s Maungdaw district, Myanmar security forces launched a five-month crackdown in which, according to Rohingya groups, around 400 people were killed.

The UN documented mass gang rapes, killings – including those of infants and young children -- brutal beatings and disappearances committed by security personnel.

In a report, UN investigators said the human rights violations constituted crimes against humanity.

Fresh violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state nearly two weeks ago when security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya community.

Bangladesh, which already hosted around 400,000 Rohingya refugees, has faced a fresh influx of refugees since the security operation was launched.

On Saturday, the UN said at least 290,000 Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh.