Short Introduction to the Program:
With the help of NCBL
central office, Bhim Lal Kandel, facilitator of Nawalparasi district,
organised an awareness building program at Kawasoti on landmine with
a slogan of “Let’s Protect Ourselves and Others from Dangerous
Objects” on 8 September 2005.
Sagar Pokhrel had emceed the
program which had Bam Dev Sharma, chief of Area Administration Office
Kawasoti as chief guest. In the first session of the program, Yam
Lal Acharya, facilitator of Kapilbastu district had presented the
concept paper on the activities carried out against the use of landmine
prepared by Bhim Lal Kandel.
Mine Problem in the District:
Landmine was used in
1996 for the first time in this district. Its use increased hugely
since 2004.Dinesh Bhusal, Chairperson of Disabled Rehabilitation Centre,
Kawasoti, said that many children have been disabled due to landmine.
He said that the security forces plant landmine around 90 percent
of their base camps and it results in many accidents. He also said
that such practice should be stopped.
According to the concept paper,
two civilians and five security forces have been killed and 12 civilians
and 12 security personnel have been injured in mine explosion in Nawalparasi
district. It has also damaged property worth millions of rupees. Speaking
on the occasion, Shashi Kiran Rayamajhi, Major of …….acknowledged
that they have been using landmines in and around base camps for defensive
purpose.
The use of anti-personnel mine
has been increasing in this district along with the escalation of
violent conflict in the country. Although there is no exact data on
the loss of lives and damage caused to property in this district,
there have been hundreds of such incidents. Many people have lost
their lives and property worth millions of rupees has been damaged.
Nawalparasi also falls among the mine-affected districts now. The
major mine-related incidents are as follows:
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More than hundred
cases of mine explosions.
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Two civilians
killed in mine explosions.
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12 civilians injured
in mine explosions.
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Five security personnel
killed in mine explosions.
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12 security personnel
injured in mine explosions.
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Property worth
millions of rupees damaged
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Loss of lives and
damage of property on the side of the Maoists could not be ascertained.
Besides these damages, VDC offices,
school buildings, private houses, temples, offices of government and
non-government organisations, telecommunications, business enterprises
and means of transport have also been damaged.
Response to MRE:
All participants welcomed
the program as it was most timely and contextual in the present situation.
Had the program been organised in an open place instead of a hall,
it could inform more common people on the risks associated with mines.
The participants suggested opening up an office in the district and
they also wished for the success of the program.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
Bishnu Hari Koirala, Chief of
Area Police Office, Nawalpur suggested to raise awareness among the
people of landmines through hoarding boards, street drama and the
media in order to minimise the possible dangers.
He said, whoever, either the
security personnel or the Maoists, die Nepalis die. Therefore, end
of the war is the best. As landmine is an indiscriminate weapon, it
is better to be aware of it for safety, he added.
Chief guest Sharma said that
it was very unfortunate that Nepal did not sign the Ottawa Convention
or the Mine Ban Treaty which prohibits the use, transfer, stockpiling
and production of mines. Nepal should sigh the treaty, he added.
NCBL, established with an objective
of facilitating the process of signing and ratifying the Mine Ban
Treaty, has been carrying out various programs to minimise the risks
associated with landmines in Nepal since 1996. It has published leaflets,
posters and other materials and has conducted various training, and
seminar, interaction, and discussion at national levels especially
for school children in order to reduce the risks of mine. It has also
planned to carry out the following activities in Nawalparasi district
in the first phase:
-
To lobby massively
against the use of landmines.
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To collect data
from the district.
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To coordinate among
various organisations working in different fields in order to garner
support for mine victims.
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To distribute various
publicity materials (leaflets, pamphlets, brochures and booklets
etc.) in an organised manner.
Suggestions on School Program:
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This program is
very effective and useful for small children.
-
Risk can be minimised
if such program could be launched in all schools of the district
in a long-term way.
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Eloquence competition
develops personality and helps in raising awareness in the society.
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Need to launch
at every strata of the society.
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It would be better
if training is provided at primary, lower secondary and secondary
levels.
-
It would be better
if more effective program could be launched at school level.
-
It would be easier
to teach the students if teachers are selected from schools and
they are trained.
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The MRE has raised
awareness among the students that touching explosives is dangerous.
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Such program should
be launched in conflict-affected areas.
Response to Distributed Publications:
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All publicity
materials are effective, but their quantity is small.
-
It would be better
to distribute at least a copy of publicity materials to each student.
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It would be better
if posters that directly raise awareness can be produced.
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We request to
distribute such publicity materials in villages.
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The MRE has raised
awareness among the students that touching explosives is dangerous.
-
If awareness could
be raised through audio-visual materials, it would minimise the
risk for children.
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