South Asia Citizens Web

Taking note of the conflict situation between the two countries, Peace
activists in Pakistan and India decided to start a Peace Caravan to mobilize masses against war and put pressure on their respective governments for initiation of peace and cooperation. The Caravan in India left on 28th July from Mumbai and will reach joint Wagah-Attari on 14th August, the independent day of Pakistan.

Given the situation of flood and rains, this peace caravan has also decided to collect funds for flood affectees in Pakistan and fund called “PPC Relief Fund” has been established. Indian friends have also agreed to collect funds during caravan’s journey.

We are dismayed with the way the consultation was held, undermining the democratic processes, lacking transparency and failing to hear the communities hitherto affected by various IFC funded projects.

On the night of August 14 and 15 [2010] both Indian and Pakistani participants of the Peace Caravan would attend a joint candle lighting vigil at the Wagah-Attari border.

What Kind of National Pride depends on the eviction of students and poor people of the city? Do we want a world class city that is built by workers who are not paid the minimum wages even as they toil for 16 hours under inhuman working conditions? The University reflects how democratic a society is. Can we reclaim our university which has been turned into a zone of exploitation in the name of the Games? Why have the rents skyrocketed and the students being forced to pay for the Games? Is the University and the Delhi government not responsible for this? The University Community for Democracy has been challenging a number of decisions taken by both Delhi University and the government with regard to the commonwealth games for over a month now. The Forum is deeply concerned by the gross violations of rights that the city has witnessed in the name of the Games and condemns the irresponsible manner in which Delhi is being prepared for this mega event. UCD grew out of the urgent need to collectively resist these actions.

We, as concerned citizens of India are greatly anguished by the continuing violence that is going on in Kashmir for over two months now. Apart from the deaths of many children and youth, the people of Kashmir are undergoing extreme hardships due to the violence and long spells of curfews that have totally disrupted normal life.