Short Introduction to the Program:
40 participants including women
Representatives from Nepal Bar
Association District branch, Federation of Nepalese Journalists District
branch, NGO Federation district branch, local organisations, educational
institutions, government offices, business people, entrepreneurs,
political parties, human rights activists took part in the program.
Krishna Gautam, central coordinator of INSEC was the chief guest and
other invitees included major of Royal Nepalese Army and Deputy Superintendent
of National Investigation Department.
Mine Problem in the District:
The rebels have been
using landmines and other explosives like thread bomb, jug bomb, bucket
bomb, pressure cooker bomb and they also use other types of explosives.
They target the security forces, but the common people fall victims
to them.
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Explosives have
been used since the beginning of the armed conflict.
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Though begun by
the Maoists, the security forces have also been using them lately.
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Mostly mines are
targeted at vehicles of security forces.
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Mines were used
in Madi (Chitwan), Dhading, Nawalparasi and Kalikot in which common
people have fallen victims.
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According to statistics,
of the 12,756 Nepalese killed in the violent conflict, 341 are children
of whom most are killed by mines.
Response to MRE:
The program has made it clear why and
how mines should be banned and the role of the civil society in creating
effective public awareness. This has also taught us not to touch or
move suspicious objects. The security chief was apprised of the suspicious
behaviour of the security personnel. For instance, security personnel
go to various places in Lungi, kurta, pyjamas, dhoti which makes common
people difficult to tell between the security personnel and the rebels.
Detailed information on the
program:
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All sectors accepted
that the issue was new yet matter of concern for all.
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The concerned
expressed commitments to raise awareness in their respective fields.
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Detailed information
on the use of landmines and other explosives by the rebels and the
security forces and the safety measures.
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Stakeholders expressed
the views that they were positive towards the present and future
programs of NCBL and their serious attention drawn towards them.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
This program should be launched for the rural people. Participants
expressed their satisfaction on the plan of the security forces to
make Janakpur mines-free zone and taking gradual steps to ban landmines
ultimately. They also requested to implement the plan as soon as possible.
Participants were told to inform the security forces if they noticed
any suspicious objects in settlements away from district headquarters
in order to safely defuse them.
The participants expressed the views that the both security forces
and the rebels should make commitment not to use landmines and explosives
in and around schools as the loud noise of the explosion could negatively
impact the child psychology. The MRE should be launched in every village
of the district. The awareness program should be carried out in all
the 16 wards of Janakpur municipality and the public places.
NCBL should formulate a comprehensive plan. All the non-government
organisations operating in the district should also add awareness
program on landmines and other explosives. The program should cover
all the schools of the district. It should also cover factories, industries
and transport sectors. A campaign on MRE and the risk of other explosives
should be launched in schools by training teachers. Ways of identifying
mine plantation in different places like pitched roads and rough roads
should be arranged.
MRE needs to be imparted to the transport labourers particularly the
drivers need thorough information on it. Pressure should be exerted
on the security forces and the rebels to sign the Ottawa Convention
by creating an environment for the coordination and collaboration
among various organisations by garnering massive support from the
civil society.
Suggestions on School Program:
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The pictures in
the books should be captioned with.
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Programs should
be introduced for the treatment of mine victims.
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Self-employment
scheme for mine victims should be launched.
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The program should
reach the common people in the villages.
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Publicity of MRE
should be generated using hoarding and flash boards.
Response to Distributed Publications:
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Publicity materials
like pictures, booklets, manuals, stickers should be produced plenty
so that each student can get them.
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