Landmines kill nearly 1,300 in Nepal

NEPAL: At least 1,290 people have been killed by landmines planted by government troops and Maoist rebels during Nepal's decade-old conflict, a leading anti-mine group said on Monday.

The victims, including nearly 200 women and children, are among more than 13,000 people killed since Maoist guerrillas bent on toppling the Himalayan nation's monarchy launched a revolt in 1996.

"It is very serious and most of the victims are innocent civilians," Purna Shobha Chitrakar, coordinator of Ban Landmine Campaign Nepal, part of a international anti-landmine campaign, told Reuters. At least 4,262 others have been injured by landmines, said Chitrakar.

The government and Maoists agreed to a ceasefire after King Gyanendra restored democracy following weeks of popular protests in April and returned power to political parties, leading to the formation of a multi-party, interim administration.

Both sides have pledged not to lay any new mines as part of a peace process they launched in May but activists say all existing mines must also be destroyed immediately.

Kathmandu, Monday, Reuters