“I am blessed to be a deminer”

“I have experienced the war. I have witnessed people’s suffering. As a result of this, I have decided to become a deminer to serve the people” said Kanagasabai Thayalachandran (31). He hails from Ezhalalai in Jaffna, but got displaced and moved to Vavuniya. He joined the Danish Demining Group in July 2004, and worked as a deminer. Now, he is a team leader and supervises 10 deminers. He is married and having a son and a daughter. He has worked in Kanniya, Vankalai, Kuchchaveli, Thiriyaai, Pulikandykulam, Mattuvil, Poonagar and Selvanagar.

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran currently supervising his team, which does the demining in Selvanagar in Thoppur. It was a very hot day, when I met Kanagasabai Thayalachandran and his team. I was advised to wear the jacket and wiser all the time while being on the demining site. Kanagasabai Thayalachandran kept reminding me not to remove the wiser, as it was very difficult for me to take photos, and not to move away from the line. Kanagasabai Thayalachandran shared his experience on the site.

Why did you decide to become a deminer?

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran: I was born in Jaffna. I have suffered during the war. I have witnessed the suffering of my people. I wanted to do something different, which will serve the people in a small way. And, I have decide to become a deminer, although my family did not like my decision.

What did you think when you first went to a minefiled?

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran: I thought about my family, my wife and my children. When I first went to a minefiled I was afraid although I have undergone a proper training for three weeks. On the other hand I was confident. It was new experience for me. I wanted to clear the mines and make the space available for human habitat. I am proud that I am being part of team, which helps people to resettle after the demining.

How did you feel when you found the first mine?

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran: I was excited that, I found it without exploding. But, soon after finding it, I thought for awhile, how many lives would have been killed, if it exploded.

What is your message to the people?

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran: If they see a sign of mine or red sticks, they should not remove them. They should stay away from this area. And, if they find any Unexploded Ordnance, they should inform the demining group in their area. Especially, children should not play with them.

Will you encourage men and women to become deminers?

Kanagasabai Thayalachandran: Of course. This is not just a job, this is a service, which can be rendered to our people. I feel blessed to be a deminer, and continue to support our team. People get afraid as soon as they hear the word demining. But there is nothing to panic once we get a proper training and, be cautious on the minefield while working.

It approximately takes half an hour to clear a square kilometer on smooth surface like beach front and almost an hour for normal soil. An hour a half is needed to clear bush areas because the shrubs have to be cleared first before beginning demining.