Short Introduction to the Program:
A day-long Mine Risk
Education (MRE) interaction was organised at Hotel New Ananda in Mahendranagar
by Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines (NCBL) on 8 September 2005. Thirty
six people representing chief of the security agencies, journalists,
human rights activists, District Education Officer, the civil society
representatives, teachers’ and students organisations and transport
entrepreneurs participated in the program. Daman Bahadur Ghale, ………of
Royal Nepalese Army was the chief guest and Janak Raj Awasthi, Kanchanpur
District Facilitator of NCBL emceed the interaction.
Mine Problem in the District:
Begun from Europe, to
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, the use of landmine has been growing in
Nepal every day. It has been found that mines made of tin boxes or
containers are exploded either by remote control, pressure or timing
or pressing the buttons. The Maoists particularly with a view to creating
terror have been planting mines at or near market place, schools,
and public places. They also lay mines in the major highways during
a banda - general shutdown – called by them. Although the people
at district headquarters do not touch and handle strange-looking objects,
it is prevalent in the remote villages due to lack of awareness among
the villagers of mine.
Although the demand to declare
schools as zone of peace, they have been suffering most from the ongoing
violent conflict. Eleven non-combatants were killed in a mine explosion
in the Royal Bardiya National Park. Innocent children and people are
being killed due to the ongoing violent conflict. Similarly, it has
also terrified the youth, who can build the nation. The psychological
damage is greater than the physical one caused by the conflict.
Upholding the principles of war,
Nepalese security forces have laid mines in and around the security
positions for defensive purpose and such areas are marked as mines
laid areas.
“We have met many Nepal
nationals during our visit to conflict-hit areas who have become disabled
due to mine explosion,” representative, BBC Nepali Service.
“We have been spending
a huge amount in defusing mines,” chief guest Mr Daman Bahadur
Ghale.
Response to MRE:
Welcome to the MRE launched
by the NCBL. The security agencies have expressed their commitment
to assist in the campaign. The campaign to ban landmines is a good
initiation in the context of Nepal. As children are naturally attracted
towards strange objects, it is highly imperative to raise awareness
among the children of mines. Such program can minimise the risk and
the District Education Office through its mechanism can also run such
program. It is necessary to raise awareness among the people on a
large scale.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
