Short Introduction to
the Program:
A seminar was organised
on Mine Risk Awareness (MRE) in Dhangadhi of Kailali district on 15
Bhadra 2062. The program was participated in by chiefs of local security
agencies, Chief District Officer, acting District Education Officer,
representatives of Federation of Nepalese Journalists, various non-government
organisations, GRINSO Nepal, Nepal Red Cross, Seti Zonal Hospital,
campus administration and teachers’ union. A total of 36 people
participated in the program.
Mine Problem in the District:
The explosives left
by the insurgents at battle fields have put the common people in danger.
Common people and others have lost their lives due to the ongoing
violent conflict.
The security forces were aware
of landmines, but it came out only after the Maoists began their “people’s
War in February 1996. The conflict has affected the common people
more than the security forces.
“The security forces do
not leave behind such objects. We use such objects around our barracks
for defensive purpose and the areas are marked,” Narayan Raj
Pandey, Deputy Inspector General, Armed Police Force.
The following types of explosives
detonated by:
Press, Manual system,
Electric system, Time are in use.
Some times the security force
cannot reach the mine planted areas for their disposal on time. “We
need to fully prepare ourselves if we cannot reach such places on
time. It is better to be aware and reach the place late than die of
explosion,” Narayan Raj Pandey, Deputy Inspector General, Armed
Police Force.
Response to MRE:
The program is contextual
and welcome to Kailali district. Such program should aware the people
of the villages from children to the elderly. Besides students, this
awareness program is equally necessary to guardians and the teachers
so that the students can learn from their parents and teachers. Had
the program been launched earlier, it would have been better. This
program targeted at the current conflict ongoing in Nepal is contextual.
One has to be aware first of all. All need to participate in this
program.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
It is appropriate to
implement at school level. It is highly necessary for the teachers
to carry out awareness building program for their students. But such
program besides covering the school students should also encompass
children not going to schools and even adults. In the present context,
it is highly desirable for the security forces to minutely examine
the explosives left by the rebels in battle fields and to dispose
them. Security force should pay attention towards such issues, but
they also need to inform the local people where such explosives are
laid. It is better that teachers and human rights activists raise
awareness at school level than the security forces.
It is also equally necessary
to run such program through the media. Various agencies like NGOs,
INGOs and the security force should make a plan to carry out such
program.
A child club has been formed
in the Pahalmanpur VDC which carries out such programs. It is necessary
to provide training to such clubs. If such program is launched focusing
on target people and target areas, it will yield better results.
Such program should also be launched
through local channels, photography and pamphleteering. If common
people know about such explosives, they should not approach it rather
should inform the nearest security forces.
The rebels should not be allowed
wielding such objects. Such program should be run for targeted groups,
people, areas and possible places of fighting. Awareness building
program at conflict-affected areas should be carried out. Committees
should be formed at ward level so that the people of respective villages
can be made aware.
Suggestions on School Program:
