In the village of Asmakaya of Solhan District of Bingöl, 208 mines were laid in 100 decares of village land for the security of military outposts in the 90's. With the lift of security threats, mines began to be cleared in 1997, but by the end of the work, it was understood that 33 mines were missing.

It was learned that the missing DM11 AP/P type mines caused the deaths of 3 villagers. In 1997, 2 kids aged 8 and 12, and in 2003 another kid aged 15 lost their lives due to missing mines also left some people to be injured. Despite all these deaths and injuries, it was seen that the lost mines continued to threaten.

Speaking to ILKHA correspondent, village residents are concerned that new death losses may occur if the missing land-mines are not going to be found.

Ihsan Karcı reminded that the missing mines caused 3 pleasant children to lose their lives and wounded a villager and a petty officer, also said that dozens of animals were wasted.

“There is no life safety in the village”

Karcı said, “In the 1990s, as villagers, we have suffered a lot. At that time the missing mines have not be cleaned, although many times to the competent authorities. They said that 33 mines were missing after mines were cleaned around the outpost in the village for security reasons. These mines took 3 lives, wounded and injured. Although our animals are wasted, there are around 20 missing mines. We can’t plow around 100 decares field for 30 years due to mines. The area where these missing mines are located is in the open area. There are children entering, animals entering. We can lose new lives. The village has no security. The state should come and find a solution to this.”

“The mine that needs to be destroyed is standing on the ground"

Emphasizing that the missing mines continue to rise to the surface, Karcı said, “At this moment a mine was found by the shepherds, the soldier was informed. Soldiers came around and turned around with a normal security band and left. The mine that needs to be destroyed is standing there on the ground. It can blow anytime.”

As a result of stepping on the mine, 8-years-old Musa Demir and 12-years-old Necla Turhan on May 15, 1997, and 12-years-old Mehmet Can Çiçek on August 30, 2003, lost their lives. Reminding these events, the villagers Asıf Karcı said that the outpost which built to provide the security of village did not provide any security but brought death.

Karcı said, "As land-owned villagers, we have applied to authorities for the removal of mines. They cleared mines but at the end of the count, it was understood that 33 mines are missing. “Tell the imam to announce this through the minaret that no one should go to into that land,” told us, military officials. Although those mines are missing almost for 30 years even took lives, no one comes to clear there. Even the mines which found, no one come and destroys it.”

ILKHA