Eradicating landmines is a sensitive issue. On one hand, it affects the innocent non-partisans in conflict, while on the other, it is extremely important for territorial defense.

The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) possesses anti-personal landmines, which it hopes to use against enemy attack against itself and to defend area under its responsibility. It is totally unreasonable for RNA to give up its "silver bullet in defense" viz: the landmines. Large landmines are Nepal’s only cost effective defence against enemy tank forces (Nepal fields no armored forces). The sad fact is that Maoist insurgents are successfully deploying mines and booby traps, against which the Nepal Police (NP) has no answer. The new Armed Police Force (APF) should consider the reality, seriously.

Landmines are crucial if Nepal is to defend its territorial integrity in the future. Blind uproar for banning landmines is senseless polemics. The challenge lies in managing its benefits, by controlling its application.