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Following is a question by the Hon Bernard Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It was reported that landmines planted during the riots in 1967 might still be buried along the border area. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it has assessed if there are still landmines buried along the border area; if the assessment result is in the positive, of the measures it will take to ensure the public's safety; and

(b) it has kept records of cases in which landmines buried along the border area were accidentally uncovered and exploded since 1967; if it has, of the number of such cases and the resultant casualties?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Government's assessment is that it is highly unlikely that there are still landmines buried in the border area. Based on available records, there were only two incidents of explosion caused by landmines in the border area since 1967. One occurred in October 1967 and one in December 1967. Three persons were injured in these incidents. Extensive repair works to the border fence were undertaken in 1968 which required the removal of landmines in the border area. Subsequently numerous other minor works were also carried out in the area and there had not been any incidents of explosion or casualties.

End/Wednesday, February 23, 2000

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