Threat continues

The landmines planted during the insurgency days still pose a big threat to the general public, especially to the ruralfolks. Of the 1,370 lives lost so far to these dangerous explosives, the majority has been innocent children. No wonder the anti-landmine lobbies have now called on the government to take concrete measures to minimise the risks associated with the landmines. The Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL), an NGO working for landmines risk reduction, for instance, has urged the government to implement the commitment expressed in the November 22, 2006, Peace Accord, whereby both the SPA and the Maoists had agreed to assist each other to mark the landmine areas and then defusing and removing them immediately.

According to the NCBL, it has identified around 337 sites with landmines and improvised explosive devices in the country so far. Further, it says over 400 landmines could be found in one location alone. No doubt it takes quite some time to clear the landmines altogether. But it is surprising that neither the Nepal Army nor the People’s Liberation Army have yet been fully mobilised for such an important task. During the signing of the Peace Accord, the SPA and the Maoists had assured the people that they would collect all relevant information within 30 days and defuse the explosives within two months. Since this is a matter of people’s safety and security, the Interim Government must not delay taking the required measures any more. The assistance of others, such as the UN, should also be secured to this purpose.

Source: The Himalayan Times, May 25, 2007