Short Introduction to the Program:

A seminar on MRE was successfully organised by Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines at Ghorahi of Dang district on 23 September 2005. The program held under the chairpersonship of Narayan Prasad Sharma, chairperson of Rapti Super Lodge Civil Society, was participated in by the representatives of political parties, civil society, intellectuals, students, business community and security forces. Forty-one people including five women took part in the seminar.

Bimal KC, representative of the Royal Nepalese Army, had trained the participants in mines. He spoke on the types of mine, possible places of laying and ways to protect oneself from it in detail. He also displayed various types of mines to the participants. He said that more than 68 countries of the world are mine-fested and about 85 percent people of Afghanistan and Cambodia are affected by mines. Once planted, mines remain active for decades.

Mine Problem in the District:

Both the Maoists and the security forces leave behind mines due to various reasons. Sometime they leave behind bombs in a hurry. Explosives are particularly found in and around battle fields and the possible place of fighting. Mines can also be found on paths, market place and place of public gathering.

Schools have become bunkers. We are living in terror in our school. Children should be protected from such a situation. They should be brought up in fearless environment. Bomb explosion has damaged our hostel building, but it has caused more damage to our feeling. We are still fearful. We cannot concentrate on study as we fear repetition of such explosion. Explosives have affected the students and the community equally. Both the parties to conflict should declare school as zone of peace. This is a common problem. It has worried business community, intellectuals and the teachers alike. Particularly, women and children have suffered more from mines.

Response to MRE:

This program is highly contextual, very good and praiseworthy. Therefore, it should succeed. Take this program away from the comfortable hotel to the remote villages. Let all be aware. Let not anybody lose their lives from it for nothing. It should be launched in other remote districts of Nepal too. Make the illiterate community including the students aware of mine. There is a need of such organisation for raising awareness. Therefore, all should thank NCBL. We wish that you reach the villages and render such service in the days to come.

Suggestions on Future Programs:

« Back