Short Introduction to the Program:
A district level seminar on MRE
was conducted at Hotel New Era by Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines
(NCBL) on 17 Bhadra 2062. Chiefs of security agencies of Rupandehi
district, human rights activists, acting District Education Officer,
representatives of various political parties, Nepal Bar Association
unit and Lumbini Hospital Development Committee participated in the
program. Acting District Education Officer, Moti Raj Paudel was the
chief guest of the program chaired by Purushottam Ghimire, secretary
of Social Awareness and Development Forum. Yuba Raj Ghimire presented
a working paper and Babu Ram Panthee, NCBL facilitator for Rupandehi
district, emceed the program.
Mine Problem in the District:
The use of landmine is increasing
in this district along with the escalation of the violent conflict.
Begun in 1997 in a sporadic way, its use grew in magnitude since 2002.
However, there is no exact record of loss caused by the use of landmines
here. Many people have died and several others injured and property
worth millions of rupees has been damaged. This is also one of the
mine-affected districts of Nepal. The major explosives-related incidents
that took place since 2002 are given below.
Response to MRE:
The program is timely. The representatives
of the security forces had said that they have used mines only in
compelling conditions for their defensive purposes and they have begun
removing them gradually. They also said that they have been running
awareness building programs through radio, television and newspapers
in order to minimise the risk of mines. They also said that the rebels
have been using mines randomly, but the security forces have been
defusing such mines to protect the lives and property of the people.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
The program should be launched
at rural areas. A permanent office of NCBL should be established in
Butwal and the program should be given continuity. Pressure needs
to be exerted on both parties to conflict in order to minimise the
use of landmines. There needs to run massive awareness building programs
on MRE and to create an environment to provide immediate and long-term
relief to mine victims. For this, coordination among social organisations
is a must. Actual data of the district needs to be collected. This
program should be launched in all the educational institutions of
the district.
Schools’ Suggestions
on MRE:
