Experts have expressed grave concern over the increasing use of landmines in Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Wednesday, they said that the use of landmines has severe economic and social impact in the society.

They expressed serious concern over the rise in the incidents of explosion of landmines with the resumption of violence after the Maoist withdraw from the four month long unilateral ceasefire.

The use of antipersonnel mines has increased significantly in Nepal from both the government and the Maoists. Studies show that various types of landmines are used in Nepal including victim-activated mines that explode when triggered by pressure. Another type of mines used are command denoted mines that work responding to the command.

According to statistics of Ban Landmine Campaign of Nepal (NCBL), in between the three month unilateral ceasefire period (Sep 4-Dec 4 2005), 229 people were victimized. Of the total, 78 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)).

According to NCBL, in the six month period of Jan-Jun 2005, 2535 people were victimized by the conflict in Nepal, with 1574 killed and 961 survivors. Among the total, 562 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs).

5847 people were victimized due to conflict in 2004, with 3401 killed and 2446 survivors after injury. Among the total, 1445 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs).

The use of landmines has increased substantially following the onset of Maoist insurgency in February 1996.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Dhurba Prasad Singh said that the developing and poor countries are more affected from the problem of landmines.

He called on both the government and the Maoists to refrain from using landmines in the name of causing harm to the rival side, as it will affect the whole society.

Former Parliamentarian of Jajarkot district, Ratna Prasad Singh, said that the government should create conducive environment for the protection of human rights to minimize such incidents.

According to NCBL, Maoist rebels use mines randomly including public places, whereas security forces use it near there camps and barrack to defend the security posts. But there have been a number of incidences caused by explosions of mines planted by security forces.

Every year around 26,000 people are injured by landmines of which 30 to 40 percent are children. The existing ratio of landmines is 1 to every 12 children.

According to NCBL, total number of victims by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs etc) between January 1998 until September 2005 stood at 4228.