|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 04 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Security | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Shifting land mines no threat to tsunami victims -MAG During the last two decades of ethnic conflict several land mines and UXOs have been planted by the Sri Lanka Army and LTTE in the conflict areas. The Sri Lankan Army has laid such mines in a systematic manner and location maps are available. This tsunami tidal wave has not shifted these mines, even though five land mines have been found just outside the Army Camp in Kallady, which have now been destroyed. There is no additional danger whatsoever to the tsunami survivors from these land mines. However, action has been taken to prevent any accidents and protect the civilians. The threat from these mines is not much more than that existed before the tsunami. Three areas are reported to have a few shifted mines. They are Batticaloa District, Jaffna District and Mullaitivu districts. In the Batticaloa District, five mines have been detected outside the Kallady Army Camp which have been destroyed. Another potential area where mines could shift is around the Sri Lanka Army Camp in Kalkudah where there are no civilians. However, there has been no shifting of mines in this area. In the Jaffna District, two mines have shifted with the water in the Point pedro area. These mines have been destroyed and there is no more mine shifting problem in the area according to the UNDP Technical Advisor in Jaffna. In Mullaitivu District two remote areas unpopulated about three mines have been washed out. The Government is fully responsible and manages the mine Action Programme. It has already taken action to prevent accidents from these few shifting mines. The National Steering Committee on Mine Action located in the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation coordinates the entire programme. The Mine Action Group, UK, an International NGO clearing mines, is at presenting the Batticaloa District assessing the danger from shifting mines. MAG reports that only five mines have been displaced from the Army Camp at Kallady. MAG has taken action to increase their mine risk education by putting in Mine Signs and distributing leaflets to all tidal wave displaced persons living in Welfare Centres informing them of the possible shifting mines. MAG will also distribute the leaflets to civilians close to Army Camps where the mines are found. Give sufficient publicity using megaphones and other amplifier systems informing the people to report to them if any suspected items are seen by them. The Norwegian People's Aid is assessing this problem in the Vanni areas, controlled by the LTTE, According to NPA two remote areas had about 3 washed out mines in the Mullaitivu District. Sufficient action has been taken by Mine Action Group, UK, together with the TRO to publicise the effects of shifting mines. However, MAG has indicated to the Government of Sri Lanka that, the threat from these mines is not more than that existed before the tsunami Tidal Wave destruction. TRO works together with the NPA and MAG on Mine Action in the uncleared areas. Also it should be noted that most of the war displaced civilians have not returned to their homes in areas which are known to be mined. The threat from shifting mines is not dangerous. Yet civilians should be vigilant as even a single mine could injure a person, as even before the tidal wave action is being taken to continuously educate the civilians, a press release said. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
