Landmines in Westhern Pakistan; Effectiveness of Multi Sector Mine Action Project and Its Alleviation

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of multi sector mine action project in the two purposively selected villages of Parachinar Kurram Agency. A total of 118 households were selected through simple random sampling. Primary data was collected with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire and was analysed by using descriptive statistics and non parametric tests. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the sampled respondents was literate and having joint families setup. The high literacy ratio played vital role in success of this project and this made very easy transformation of Mine Risk Education (MRE) in these remote rural communities. The strategies use by the MRE includes the demonstration of multisided mines models, instruction method and communicative material for dissemination. Majority of the sample respondents attended the MRE training sessions, which enabled them to protect themselves from incidents occurring due to Mines. Majority of the respondents reported that the incidents have reduced to minimum in the target areas as a result of MREs. The training made a significant contribution in alleviating the land mines problems in the area. Most of the respondents picked lake of awareness as the root causes of landmines incidents. The respondents faced problems due to the mines especially in farming, collection of firewood and using common routs and paths. It is recommended that more mine risk education particularly to farmers is necessary, clearance of landmines from the affected areas, physical rehabilitation of the victims on sustainable basis and adaptation of modern mines removal technology to the affected areas.