India may not back total landmine ban

India makes two types of APMs, these are purely for national use — on the Line of Control (LoC) against Pakistan. Ministry of Defence officials maintain that India’s use of APMs is within strictly monitored boundaries. On stretches of the LoC where it is impossible to keep up a physical presence, APMs are placed in marked, fenced and declared areas. The Indian Express was privy to some forward portions of the LoC where the minefields could be distinguished by their warning signs and fences. There are, nevertheless, some civilian casualties on account of trespassing.

India is unlikely to champion the cause of a total ban on account of its serious border problems with Pakistan. When long stretches of its frontiers remain unrecognised India has a legitimate use for APMs say the MoD officials. “India and Pakistan present a peculiar picture in the world of APMs. Both maintain clearly demarcated minefields under the supervision of trained Army engineers, and all which are documented,” said the official. That is about where the similarity ends, however. Pakistan is a significant contributor to the export of APM.