Kathmandu, February 2:

A group of 20 non-government organisations, affiliated to Mine Action Group, today launched a nation-wide campaign to raise awareness among the people against the threats of land mines and other explosive devises.

Explosive devices such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and landmines used during the decade-long conflict continue to take the lives and limbs of Nepalis, most of them children.

In 2006, some 91 children were injured or killed in explosive-related incidents, while 98 new victim-activated explosions have been reported by UNICEF and INSEC in 2006. The number was only 47 in 2005.

The activists affiliated to the campaign said their drive sought to raise awareness and recognise dangers for all Nepali citizens and to encourage civilians to report the location of dangerous explosive devices through a hotline number. It is essential that the Nepal Army and the Maoist People’s Liberation Army neutralise the devices to minimise the risk of explosions and injuries, the organisers told the journalists today.