Short Introduction to the Program:
A one-day district level
seminar on MRE was organised at Dhunche, the district headquarters,
under the chairpersonship of Suman Bhatta, NCBL Nuwakot district facilitator
on 9 Bhadra 2062. District Development Committee Chairperson Khesam
Bahadur Thapa was the chief guest of the program.
Mine Problem in the District:
Both parties to the ongoing conflict
are found leaving behind landmines planted at different in places.
If the present situation continues, Nepal will become like Cambodia,
a mine-fested country. As the rebels and the security forces plant
mines around their positions for defensive purposes and leave them
behind when the warring factions leave, the mines pose serious threat
to the non-combatant people and animals as they remain active for
years. The rebels use mines more than the security forces. The security
forces, if they planted, either deactivate or clear mines when they
move from that particular place.
Response to MRE:
People are loathe to landmine,
but it has entered remote villages of Nepal. The program’s objective
of raising awareness among the people of the risks of landmines is
very good. I hoe that this program will help protecting the local
people from being injured, maimed and killed. If this program is launched
in the villages besides the schools, it will help the villagers avoid
the risks of mines. So I would like to request NCBL to launch program
targeting the people in the villages.
I came to know about an organisation
like NCBL in Nepal for the first time. I am pleased even to knowing
about such an organisation. The organisation’s attempt to protect
civilians from possible dangers and making effort to ultimately put
a ban on landmine is an excellent concept. It is important to raise
awareness among the people in the villages through students and teachers.
If the program is launched for three years, it would really achieve
its objectives.
Small information can save many
lives. If anybody notices objects as described here, please inform
the security forces immediately. Please this program in the remote
villages. We would like to thank NCBL for carrying out this program
in a remote place like this on behalf of Rasuwa District Development
Committee.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
All parties should abide
by human rights. Landmine should be banned. Instead of launching as
a package in the districts, the MRE should be included in the curricula
of three to five classes. The NCBL should organise such program in
the district encompassing the conflict affected people like the general
public, students, teachers and even the parties to the conflict in
a continued manner. We welcome this program.
Suggestions on School Program:
