Ex-gratia sanctioned for 353 landmine casualties: Antony

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Ex-gratia compensation in accordance with the extant guidelines has been sanctioned in the cases of 353 landmine casualties during 'Operation Parakaram,' Defence Minister A K Antony said today.

In a written reply to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in the Lok Sabha, he said landmines were laid as per operational plans dictated by need during 'Operation Parakaram'.

On demobilisation of troops, de-mining operations for the landmines laid during the Operation commenced in November 2002.

De-mining operations have been completed in all areas except those required for operational reasons, Mr Antony said.

He also said that 61 people were killed and 292 wounded during the operation and ex-gratia has been sanctioned in their favour.

The Defence Minister said the Landmine Monitor Report of 2007 was released during the Ottawa Convention meeting at Anman, Jordan in November 2007.

The report gives details about use and stockpile of anti-personnel mines of all countries in the world, he added.

UNI AG RP RS2003