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202 killed, 500 injured by mines, explosives in Nepal in 2002
Kathmandu, Aug 15: At least 720 people were killed or injured by landmines, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosives in Nepal in 2002, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) said today.
Kathmandu, Aug 15: At least 720 people were killed or injured by landmines, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosives in Nepal in 2002, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) said today.
"202 people died by such explosives," said a statement from the Ban Landmine Campaign Nepal (NCBL).
Nepal is not a signatory to the 1997 Ottawa convention, ratified by more than 130 countries, which bans the production and use of anti-personnel mines as well as their storage and transportation.
A NCBL delegation met Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa this week to urge him to sign the treaty. It also asked that a ban on landmines be discussed at the third round of peace talks between the government and Maoist rebels opening Sunday in the southwestern town of Nepalgunj.
"Both the army and the Maoists have been using landmines, which have victimised civilians more than the combatants," the statement said.
"Due to the rising number of wounded people, hospitals have been finding it very difficult to treat mines victims because of a shortage of funds."
In June the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) said the Nepalese Army had laid 10,000 anti-personnel mines across Nepal. The rebels have been fighting for a Communist Republic in Nepal since 1996 and the uprising has claimed nearly 8,000 lives, according to official figures. The two sides declared a ceasefire in January.
Bureau Report
Nepal is not a signatory to the 1997 Ottawa convention, ratified by more than 130 countries, which bans the production and use of anti-personnel mines as well as their storage and transportation.
A NCBL delegation met Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa this week to urge him to sign the treaty. It also asked that a ban on landmines be discussed at the third round of peace talks between the government and Maoist rebels opening Sunday in the southwestern town of Nepalgunj.
"Both the army and the Maoists have been using landmines, which have victimised civilians more than the combatants," the statement said.
"Due to the rising number of wounded people, hospitals have been finding it very difficult to treat mines victims because of a shortage of funds."
In June the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) said the Nepalese Army had laid 10,000 anti-personnel mines across Nepal. The rebels have been fighting for a Communist Republic in Nepal since 1996 and the uprising has claimed nearly 8,000 lives, according to official figures. The two sides declared a ceasefire in January.
Bureau Report