Short Introduction to the Program:
A district level seminar on MRE was organised by NCBL on
11 September 2005. Seventy-one representatives from various government
and non-government organisations took part in the program. Mine Disposal
Team of the Royal Nepalese Army made a presentation on preventive
measures for being safe from mines with display of materials.
Tara Khatri, a mine victim, was the chief guest of the seminar. She
demanded with the parties to the conflict that “they should
victimise innocent people like her”. She added, “Let others
not have the fate like mine.” Showing her injured body, she
said, “How could the warring parties win the battle by victimising
an innocent child like me?” She was injured seriously in a mine
explosion that took place on a path near her home on 13 March 2004.
Mine Problem in the District:
The problem of landmine is ever increasing in this district. The chief
guest of the seminar Tara Khatri’s body was damaged in a mine
explosion.
The security agency claimed that they have not mines except for their
defensive purposes in and around the security positions. They also
said that if they had to use mines elsewhere, they mark the area as
“restricted area” and later deactivate the mines when
they no longer need them.
Response to MRE:
This program is excellent. This program should be launched in the
villages and it should be long-term. This program should particularly
focus on illiterate women, children and the farmers.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
The state should sign the Ottawa Convention in order to put an end
to the use, transfer, stockpiling and production of mines and it should
also announce cease fire in order to create an environment conducive
to holding peace talks.
Suggestions on School Program:
