Kathmandu, April 4:

Ian Martin, the special representative of the UN secretary-general, has urged the government to urgently remove landmines and other explosives scattered all over the country.

“As the people of Nepal take stock of their achievements in the peace process over the past year, a major highlight must be the removal of thousands of kilogrammes of explosives and thousands of socket bombs from the community, and their safe storage in guarded sites” he said, while addressing a programme organised to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The comprehensive peace accord, reached between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists in November 22, states that both the Nepal Army and Maoist Army would cooperate to remove and manage the landmines within thirty days.

“All Nepali people will be able to live more safely when these landmines have been permanently removed,” he added.

Martin said that the UNMIN is committed to assisting both the Maoist army and the Nepali Army in the safe storage and destruction of mines and IEDs.

“UNMIN is in the process of bringing in an expert team to be based in the regions and to offer regular advice to Maoist commanders, as well as training on safe destruction techniques. These teams will offer technical advice and assistance to the Maoist army so that it can safely fulfil its commitment to destroy all IEDs and explosives.”

The UNMIN is also assisting the Nepal Army to meet its commitment to clear all landmines and other sites with explosives. He also said that the interim government could make a significant signal of its commitment to remove these threats forever from Nepal by acceding to the anti-personnel mine-ban treaty, known as Ottawa Treaty.

Mathhew Kahane, the resident and humanitarian coordinator of the UN System in Nepal, said that the presence of landmines threatens people’s lives and also prevents much-needed economic growth and development.

Purna Shova Chitrakar, coordinator of Nepal Campaign for Ban Landmines, said that the country is in hazardous state where people need more training and education to keep the local people safe from the threats of landmines.

Brig Gen Lok Bahadur Thapa, from the engineering directorate of the Nepal Army, said that the Army is fully committed to demining and supporting community to educate people to safeguard themselves from possible threats of landmines.