Short Introduction to the Program:

An interaction program on MRE was organised by NCBL at Solukhumbu on 25 Shrawan 2062. The Solukhumbu-based chiefs of security agencies, chiefs of various organisations, representatives of political parties and human rights activists took part in the program. Similarly, a massive interaction among the chairpersons of school management committees and teachers was held on 15 Bhadra 2062. MRE awareness raising program was organised for the students of one campus, eight high schools, six lower secondary schools and three primary schools their teachers and guardians.

NCBL had organised interaction among the teachers and guardians as far as possible. Group discussions and lectures were organised in different schools depending on the number of students’ unions, students’ number and physical facilities. Likewise, interactions were held putting the students from class one to five, six to eight and nine to ten into three groups. These were done as per the suggestions of teachers and guardians.

The participants in the program namely students, teachers and guardians said that the MRE was conducted well. They also suggested organising creative competition programs on landmines. Respecting the suggestion, an essay competition for lower secondary and secondary students and drawing competition for primary students were organised at Janajyoti High School. NCBL has learnt that it had been easier to make the student aware of the risks of mine through such creative activities.

Mine Problem in the District:

It has been learnt from various incidents that the use of lethal weapons has been rising from village to urban areas. This has discouraged the entire population. It has affected the children and the elderly people most. The landmines used by the rebels have victimised the students and the teachers most. Landmine has also affected the industry and commerce sector badly. Porters cannot carry the merchandise without fear. The random use of landmines by both security forces and the rebels has terrorised the people. Mines left during fighting near schools have maimed and killed students. School buildings have been destroyed in mine explosions. Due to the presence of mine, people are deprived of their free movement.

Landmine has also affected the journalists very badly. We have also fallen victim to landmine and are maimed. It has affected the children and the old very badly. Both parties to the conflict have rendered thousands of people like us. The victims have not got treatment. The family members of the dead have not been compensated. Activists have been injured and maimed. Its use has made life very difficult. The state and the rebels should reduce the use of landmines. Even if they use it, they should be responsible and accountable. The mines used by the state and non-state actors have badly affected the people.

Response to MRE:

NCBL has organised this mine awareness program in a remote district like Solukhumbu which in fact had to be held by the government agencies. We would like to thank the organiser. If you see any explosive anywhere, inform the security personnel by any means. Let’s make commitment to support and replicate this program in order to protect the lives of children in particular and of all people at large from the danger of mine. I would also like to request people of all strata of the society in order to make this program launched by NCBL a success. The administration and the security agencies will fully support to make this program successful.

Landmine has made a very huge impact on Nepal. Every day people are dying in mine explosions. In order to reduce the loss of lives, NCBL is going to launch MRE in schools. It is a welcome initiative. The state and the rebels should support to make this program a success. I request the rebels to support this program.

The state should not also give unnecessary trouble while launching this program. But needs to support which is our responsibility. The DDC is ready to extend every possible support. Please run this program continuously in this district. We are ready for cooperation. The state and the rebels have to abide by the humanitarian laws and it is our responsibility. NCBL’s effort to protect people from landmine is appreciable. All the people of the district irrespective of their rank need to cooperate this program. Please run this program at market places and public places, we are ready to help.

You have dared to launch this well-intentioned program for schools in a remote district like ours, the schools ready to support you. Launch this program in the villages not only in Salleri bazaar. Let’s all stakeholder organisations unite. This program is in our favour. The civil society of Solukhumbu is ready to cooperate the MRE being launched at various schools. I also call both the state and the rebels to support this awareness raising program. I wish for the success of this interaction program on raising awareness among the people of the risks of landmines. I request the rebels and the state to abide by conventions on landmines and express our full commitment for support to this program.

At a time when the country is reeling under the scourge of landmine, NCBL has entered a remote district like Solukhumbu with an objective of reducing the risks of mine and raising awareness of mine among the students. The District Education Office will render best possible support. May your objectives fulfilled. Both parties to conflict should replicate the practice of those countries which use minimum mines and take cautionary measures.

The school-level MRE run by NCBL in this district was very fruitful. We would like to thank NCBL for launching this program with a view to making all the people of this district aware of mine risks by negotiating various hurdles.

Suggestions on Future Programs:

Neither the rebels nor the state should use landmines to fulfil their interest. Even if they use mines, they must not affect children and common people. They should be used remaining within the limit of humanitarian laws. Such awareness program should be carried out in the days to come in order to protect children and common people from mines.

Both the state and the rebels should be ready to abide by international humanitarian laws and they should also make commitment to uphold Ottawa Convention and translate it into practice. They must abide by humanitarian laws. International laws made to enforce humanitarian laws should be followed by the state and the rebels. The political parties should put pressure on the parties conflict to abide by such laws and we are committed to create conducive environment.

The state and the rebels should reduce the use of landmines and uphold international covenants and conventions. They should fully abide by the Ottawa Convention.

Schools should be established as zone of peace. Let us (INSEC and NCBL) collaborate.

We would like to request the state through this program to provide treatment to victims and compensation to the family members of the dead.

Suggestions on School Program:

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