Nepalnews. com Group protests use of landmines on highways (by Maoist Terrorists)

The Himsa Birodh Abhiyan, an anti-violence group, Friday asked the Maoist leadership and activists to desist from placing landmines on roads and highways.

The group in a statement today said that such activities would prove deadlier particularly at a time when most Nepalis are using highways to head back home to their families during the Dashain festival.

"Travel along roads and highways has become a hazardous and fearful activity due to the placement of landmines, said to be targeted at the security forces but which in fact kill and maim ordinary citizens," the group said, adding, "Such an inhumane activity not only destroys lives and property but also terrorises the larger population."

Use of landmines in highways and roads by the rebels violates the fundamental right of the people to use public spaces which is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, the group further said.

Citing recent instances of landmine explosions carried out by the rebels in Dhankhola of Dang district and Mainapokhari of Dolakha district wherein the security personnel had used public transport, the group said that use of public transport by the security men puts greater risk on the civilian side. Yet, the people cannot bar them from boarding public vehicles, therefore, according to the group, it is wise on the part of the security personnel to avoid using public transport.

The group’s statement further said: "We ask all concerned to restore the right of the Nepali people to walk the highways, roads and trails without fear of landmine attacks. The Maoists must immediately end their practice of placing explosive on roads and public spaces."

nepalnews.com mbk Oct 15 04

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