Exclusive: Zuhlgan Deploys Landmines Along Akarina Border, Forcibly Removes Native Lupritali
Sources within the South Cordilian Joint Counterterrorism Task Force (SCJCTF) report that the Zuhlgani government has begun deploying anti-vehicle and anti-personnel landmines along its border with Akarina. This move, purportedly a defensive measure, has raised significant concerns both regionally and internationally.
According to these sources, the deployment of landmines is accompanied by the forced removal of the indigenous Lupritali people, who have resided in the border region for centuries. The Lupritali, known for their deep cultural ties to the land, are reportedly being displaced to make way for these new military installations.
The deployment of landmines is seen as a part of Zuhlgan’s broader strategy to secure its borders amid growing instability in the region. The mines are designed to prevent incursions by armed groups and to fortify Zuhlgan’s defensive positions. However, the indiscriminate nature of landmines, which can remain active for decades, poses a significant risk to civilian populations and can have long-term humanitarian consequences.
The forced displacement of the Lupritali has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. The Lupritali have inhabited the borderlands for generations, maintaining a lifestyle closely linked to the natural environment. Their removal is not only a violation of their rights but also a disruption of their cultural and social fabric.
“Removing the Lupritali from their ancestral lands under the pretext of security measures is a grave injustice,” said Dr. Elara Kint, a human rights advocate specializing in indigenous rights. “This act not only disregards their historical connection to the land but also subjects them to extreme hardship and uncertainty.”
The international community has reacted with alarm to these reports. The Krauanagazan High Commissioner for Refugees (KHCR) has expressed concern over the potential for a compounded humanitarian crisis. Additionally, Darius Korin, Krauanagaz’s Secretary of State, called for a halt to the displacement and the deployment of landmines, urging Zuhlgan to seek diplomatic solutions instead.
Attempts to obtain an official statement from Zuhlgan’s Foreign Ministry have been unsuccessful. The ministry has not responded to multiple requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered about the motivations and future intentions behind these actions.
The use of landmines has long been condemned by international humanitarian law due to their indiscriminate nature and the long-term danger they pose to civilians. The [international treaty I don’t know the name of], which seeks to eliminate anti-personnel mines, has been ratified by numerous countries, but Zuhlgan is not a signatory.
The forced removal of the Lupritali also raises serious ethical and legal issues. Under international law, the rights of indigenous peoples to their land and resources are protected, and their displacement without consent or adequate compensation is prohibited.
The Scope will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.