Molnoi Village incident highlights the grave risk posed by unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas

Reacting to the recent incident at Molnoi Village, Tengnoupal on Saturday, Molnoi Area Welfare Council has stated that the incident highlights the grave risk posed by unexploded ordnance in conflict affected areas.

The council stated that the incident underscores the urgent need for systematic identification, clearance, and safety measures to protect innocent civilians, especially children.

In a release issued on Saturday evening, the council stated that the explosion was caused by an unexploded bomb, believed to be a leftover remnant of the ethnic violence that occurred in the Molnoi area on September 8,2023 by 'Valley Base Insurgent group'.

The council stated that the injured children are Ngamgunmang Haokip, 7 years, Hemgousang Baite, 10 years and Jamgunsei Baite, 5 years and they are residents of Molnoi Village, Tengnoupal District.

"As per preliminary findings, the incident was purely accidental in nature and not a suspicious or deliberate act. It is reported that the bomb exploded when the children, unaware of its danger, accidentally struck it with a stone while playing", the release stated.

The council express gratitude to the 26th Sector Assam Rifles, for their swift response, immediate intervention, and prompt first aid, which played a crucial role in controlling the situation and ensuring timely assistance to the injured children.

The council further reiterated that there is no cause for suspicion or panic, and the incident should be viewed strictly as an unintended accident.