Short Introduction to the Program:
A district level seminar on the
impacts of landmines and the measures for solution was organised at
Damauli by Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines (NCBL) on 5 Bhadra 2062.
Shree Ram Karki, NCBL facilitator for Tanahun, chaired the program
in which Kopila Khand, a landmine victim, was the chief guest. A total
of 32 representatives from the local security agencies, human rights
organisations, journalists, non-government organisations and various
political parties took part in the seminar. Facilitator Ramesh Prasad
Acharya emceed the program.
Mine Problem in the District:
A bomb left out by the Maoists
went off at Kilchok of Jamune VDC on 21 April 2005 killing Hira Khan
and injuring five others. Similarly, a landmine left out by the Royal
Nepalese Army at Bandipur VDC killed Surendra Gurung. A group of children
was playing a land mine and it went off killing six children and one
adult at Kilchok VDC. Kopila Khand lost one of her eyes in the incident.
Now mine explosion has become commonplace. Use of landmine is not
a law of war. Many have been badly affected by mine explosions while
working on their farmland, fetching water and collecting firewood
and fodder. Children play with it unknowingly and they have fallen
victim it. Landmine has also displaced children.
“On 21 April 2005, my younger
brother brought toy-like object from our kitchen garden. We played
with it. We did not know that it was an explosive. The object went
off killing my brother Hira Khand. One of my eyes has been damaged.
It also injured others. May not others be killed and injured in such
an incident. The warring parties use whatever means they possess.”
Both security forces and the
Maoists use it. Its use is increasing. Its use must be stopped. Such
objects are left out anywhere else either through compulsion or unknowingly.
Response to MRE:
This issue is highly timely and
contextual. I express commitments on behalf of my organisation to
fully support this program. This program respects humanity. This is
the first program of its kind held in this district. We are ever ready
to support it. Instead of confining it to 15 schools, it should reach
500 schools of the district and Human Rights Organisation is ready
to cooperate.
The program should reach the
affected areas. It is better to be alerted by such sign. Such objects
should not be touched, moved, trodden upon and played with. The NCBL
has done a commendable job. The program is excellent. This issue touches
upon security, peace and order. This program has taught us that all
should be active in awareness raising besides the concerned agencies.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
-
The parties to
the conflict should abide by the Ottawa Convention.
-
Need to launch
public awareness raising programs.
-
All offices should
have Citizen’s Charter and should inform the public on risk
of landmine. School program should be initiated through the students.
Landmines are indiscriminate weapons. So it can kill anybody.
-
District-wide awareness
building program should be initiated.
-
This program should
be launched in all the schools of the district.
-
All organisations
should be given responsibility and involved in this program.
-
Instead of confining
it to 15 schools, it should reach 500 schools of the district and
Human Rights Organisation is ready to cooperate.
-
This program has
helped a lot to avoid the risks associated with landmines and it
should be launched through the Child Rights Awareness Groups.
-
This program should
be launched in the most affected areas. Sensitization program should
be launched.
“We help the mine victims.”
