Nepalnews. com Nearly 1,000 people fell victim of landmines

A total of 976 people have fallen victim of landmine explosions in Nepal in the first six months of the year 2004, an organization said.

Of those, 280 people have died while others have been left badly bruised, disabled and terror-stricken, the Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (BLCN) said.

Those falling victim to landmines include security personnel, Maoist rebels and ordinary people. Ninety-two children have also fallen victim to landmines during this period, the organisation said.

The number is much higher compared to the last year. In 2003, a total of 731 people were hit by landmine explosions.

The BLCN has urged the Nepal government to sign the Ban Landmine Treaty and impose ban on the use, production, storing and sale of landmines. Addressing a press meet in Kathmandu on Thursday, coordinator of the BLCN, Purna Shova Chitrakar, also urged the Maoist leadership to give up the practice of using landmines.

The BLCN has also asked the government to raise the issue of banning landmines with the rebels during the proposed peace talks as and when they are held. nepalnews.com pd Oct 15 04 Sphere: Related Content