This is an announcement for a signature campaign to oppose war and war mongering all over India and in Pakistan. The plan is to begin this campaign from July 1 and continue it till August 14 and hold a peace convention on August 15. I hope you have seen some of the materials that has been circulated by me and others about this programme.
In Delhi the campaign will be inaugurated on July 1, at Jantar Mantar. The programme will be held from 3 to 6 pm. We propose to begin with songs of peace and resistance and continue with speeches.
Networks and Organisations in 22 of the 29 States of India and the four Provinces of Pakistan are coming forward to Partner with the Peace Now Campaign. Simultaneous Launches are being planned on 1st July from 3 pm India Time and 2.30 pm Pakistan Time. We expect the Peace Now Campaign to be undertaken in around 200 cities, towns and villages in Pakistan, India and other countries and the Campaign will conclude with a Joint Celebration on 14-15 August 2017.
The objective of the Peace Now & Forever Campaign is to address the deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India and to provide platforms to common people and civil society to demand peace and condemn attempts at war mongering without feeling apologetic or guilty about their stand. People have a Right to Peace. It is an integral part of our Right to Life.
Civil society organisations and peoples’ movements in 22 of the 29 States of India and the four Provinces of Pakistan are coming forward to Partner with the Peace Now Campaign. Simultaneous Launches are being planned on 1st July from 3 pm India Time and 2.30 pm Pakistan Time. We expect the Peace Now Campaign to be undertaken in around 200 cities, towns and villages in Pakistan, India and other countries and the Campaign will conclude with a Joint Celebration on 14-15 August 2017.
Apart from a Joint Signature Campaign, many other simultaneous programs in different cities and towns are being planned during the Campaign period. We propose to hold public talks and discussions on Peace including need for friendly relations between Pakistan and India in different places including schools, colleges and universities. There are plans to hold art exhibitions for peace focusing on future of humanity, engage with young people through creative activities, hold screening of film and documentaries, interfaith dialogue, rallies and outreach to political parties, trade unions and farmers organisations.
We request all to join in this initiative to oppose war and demand that India and Pakistan, abandon their war like stances and return to dialogue immediately.