PUBLIC MEETING ON THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POKHARAN NUCLEAR TESTS

By Dilip -
PUBLIC MEETING ON THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POKHARAN NUCLEAR TESTS (NEW DELHI, 11 MAY 2012)

Dear Friends,

The Pokharan-II nuclear tests of 1998 remain a black mark on our democracy and traditions of peace and independent foreign policy. The vulgar jingoism associated with nuclear weaponisation is a dangerous form of right-wing militarism and chauvinism.  India’s nuclearisation is a setback to the cause of global nuclear disarmament and will impede India from playing an active role in promoting the total elimination of nuclear weapons from the world.

Millions of non-combatant civilians in India and Pakistan have become vulnerable to attacks by fast-flying missiles carrying nuclear warheads, against which there is no defence. Nuclearisation has further destabilised South Asia and ignited a nuclear and missile arms race in the region. The recent long-range nuclear-capable missile test by India, followed by Pakistan in the same week, is yet another sign of this. Growing political instability, and deeper penetration and increasing militancy of right-wing forces in our societies, enlarge the risks of accidental or unauthorised use of nuclear weapons in our region. A recent international report on nuclear modernization has also highlighted increased nuclear risks in South Asia.

The Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) is holding a seminar on the 14th anniversary of the Pokharan-II nuclear tests, on May 11, 2012, at the Indian Social Institute (Lodhi Road, New Delhi) starting 5.30 pm.

The speakers are:
Mani Shankar Aiyar, Member of Parliament, Head, Advisory Group on Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan for a nuclear-free world order
Nilotpal Basu, Member, Central Secretariat, CPI(M)
Amarjeet Kaur, National Secretary, CPI
Praful Bidwai, Columnist and Nuclear Affairs Analysts
Achin Vanaik, Political Scientist and Peace Activist

We hope you will be able to attend and we look forward to meeting with you at the seminar.
With best regards, Achin Vanaik, Anil Chaudhary, P K Sundaram (9810556134)
Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP)
A 124/6 Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-16
Telefax: 011-26517814
Web : www.cndpindia.org

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