Afghan landmine victims given cleared land

87 individuals were awarded with land in Afghanistan that was once filled with land mines, according to the UN Mine Action Centre (UNMACA), the UN News Service reported today.

The workers, many of whom were injured in the demining process, were given the land as a sign of gratitude by Mohammad Housain Anwary, Governor of Heart province. “Demining is really a continuation of Jihad,” Anwary said. “Jihad doesn’t only mean fighting and having weapons. It means supporting human beings, stability and development.”

“These deminers are really worthy of appreciation. Demining is the best support to the country,” said Mohammad Sediq, UNMACA Chief of Operations. “It is our duty to look after them, especially ones who have become the victims of mines. We thank Governor Anwary, and we hope this action will be followed by other government authorities as a positive example throughout the country.”

Previous news reports have classified landmines as a fundamental barrier to Afghanistan’s agriculture. The Mine Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA), created in 1989, was the first indigenous mine action program

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