Spreading light on LANDMINES
It is estimated that worldwide 15000 to20000 casualties occur due to accidental mine explosions
WHAT IS A LANDMINE?
It is an explosive device that is usually buried in the ground. It explodes when weight is put on it. In military strategy, the purpose of land mine is to make a barrier against the advancing enemy.
HOW IT IS DIFFERENT FROM TIME BOMB?
A time bomb has a timer attached to the explosive charge. It can be set to explode at a particular time interval. This can also be buried under the ground but technically these are not landmines. When the explosion is triggered by pressure, vibration, sound or magnetic field, the device is called as mines.
HOW DOES A LANDMINE WORK?
A pressure landmine consists of a firing mechanism that moves when a slight weight is put on it- like a person foot. The movement detonates the trigger, which is highly unstable explosive. These components are enclosed in a casing. In order to avoid detection least amount of metal is used. Other types of mines have sensors that detect vibration or sound. Any such detection is electronically transmitted to the trigger and explosion follows.
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL LAW REGARDING LANDMINES?
Over 75 countries have minefields left over from wars. To counter the spread of these deadly weapons, the Ottawa treaty was signed in 1999, prohibiting the use of landmines. while 155 countries have signed it, the treaty remain limited because many big power like the U.S, Russia, China and even India have not signed it.