Short Introduction to the Program:
Along with the escalating
violence, the use of landmines and other explosives is also increasing.
Mostly children and the common people are falling victims to landmines
and other explosives who have no connection with the violent conflict.
They have been killed and maimed due to lack of awareness of risks
associated with mines and other explosives and recklessness.
A three-day MRE was conducted
in Kathmandu from 13-15 Shrawan 2062 in order to reduce the risks
associated with mines and explosives. Representatives from Siraha
also participated in the training. As Siraha is one of the mine and
explosives affected districts, efforts are being made to inform people
on the risks associated with mine and explosives and to reduce the
risks.
NCBL organised a district level
seminar on MRE at Dalinach Sharda Guest House at Lahan on 9 Bhadra
2062. Roop Neupane, police inspector of Area Police Office, Lahan
was the chief guest of the program presided over by Ashok Yadav, NCBL
facilitator of Siraha and emceed by Schchinanda Chaudhary.
Other invitees of the program
included Lila Nath Shrestha, District President of NGO Federation
Siraha; Dineshwar Prasad Gupta, district president of Federation of
Nepalese Journalists Siraha; Ramananda Prasad Gupta, former district
president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists Siraha; Dev Raj Pokhrel,
INSEC representatives; Binod Bhatta, vice president of Human Rights
Organisation Siraha; Deependra Prasad Chaudhary, president of Free
Students’ Union Lahan Campus; Pramod Kumar Yadav, district committee
member of CPN-UML; Jiwach Yadav, member Nepal Teachers’ Union;
Suman Mishra, unit president of Free Students Union Lahan Campus and
Jageshwar Jha, treasurer of Human Rights Development Centre Phulbariya.
Fifty representatives including three women participated in the seminar.
Mine Problem in the District:
Many children and innocent
people have fallen victim to mines and ambush laid targeting the security
personnel. Mine is a very dangerous weapon for human beings, but both
the state and the rebels have been using it. Five children have been
injured in Siraha districts in mine explosions. Some Maoists carrying
explosives have also lost their lives. Parties to the conflict have
been found laying bombs on the dead bodies of the fighters which is
against the war law. It shows that parties to the conflict have not
abide by the Geneva Convention. It is unfortunate for Nepal and her
people that besides the combatants, innocent people have also been
killed in explosions.
Response to MRE:
As explosives can cause
damage to anyone, we should be aware of their risks. One should share
such awareness with others. One should make efforts to protect oneself
from such objects. Such awareness raising programs to some extent
can help people to protect themselves from the scourge of mines and
explosives. Therefore, such program should be launched focusing on
schools, rural populace and the disabled people.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
Such awareness raising
program should be launched at school and village levels. It is known
to all that the ongoing violence in the country has not only affected
the parties to the conflict, but also the innocent people. Therefore,
the common people should also be made aware of risks. The awareness
raising program run by NCBL is praiseworthy. The knowledge gained
from this seminar needs to be shared among the students of campuses.
Mines are lethal weapon. Especially parties to conflict plant mines
during wars targeting their enemies, but they are claiming lives of
the innocent people. Therefore, the use of mine must be stopped.
Suggestions on School Program:
