Short Introduction to the Program:

The program was organised at Hotel Gorakha Bisauni. Bhim Lal Shrestha, justice at the district court, presented a paper and it was discussed. Kashi Nath Pokhrel was the chief guest. He said that this program was important and suggested to launch it district-wide. He also stressed on stopping the killing and ending the violent conflict. About 800 school students took out a rally at the district headquarters the same day.

Mine Problem in the District:

The Maoists are present in all the villages. Although they move around in a group of 200 to 300 in combat fatigues, they have not launched a massive offensive yet despite small cases of individual killing, throwing bombs, ambushing and laying mines in the district. The rebels have been relentlessly killing and maiming political workers, teachers and farmers and abducting students for training purposes.

In general the activities going on in the district put both the rebels and the security forces on equal footing. The human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, teachers, students, businessmen and the entire civil society have been putting pressure on the parties to the conflict to stop it. They have also warned the warring groups not to victimise the common people if they cannot do with the war.

“Either we or the rebels use explosives. Neither the rebels stop laying mines nor we, said …… Innocent civilians have been killed and maimed by the use of such explosives. One civilian woman and two security personnel were killed and one civilian and two security personnel were injured in an ambush in this district in 2004. Similarly, one child was killed and another injured in an unclaimed bomb explosion. In 2005 also the incidents of unclaimed bomb explosions and ambush continue.

Response to MRE:

The pressure created by the civil society is justifiable. It was also decided during the program to give pressure to the rebels and the security forces to stop using explosives.

Suggestions on Future Programs:

The program should be continued and expanded. Landmine has affected children, women and farmers. Therefore, this program should reach the women’s groups, mothers’ groups and students. Massive discussions have to be held covering all parts of the district and pressure should be given to both parties to conflict not to victimise innocent people. This program can move ahead only with the support of teachers, students, lawyers, human rights activists and journalists. Work should be carried out on war footing.

The entire civil society should give pressure to the warring factions to immediately stop the use of landmines and bombs. It is the duty of the government to guarantee human rights and to protect its citizens. Therefore, the government should take a new decision very soon to stop the use of explosives. Innocent people should not be killed in forming human shields. Leaflets, posters and books should reach the every nook and corner of the country.

The program also decided to exert pressure on the parties to conflict to stop killing innocent civilians, abduction and arrest and to stop laying ambush and landmines including other explosives immediately.

Suggestions on School Program:

Response to Distributed Publications:

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