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1st December 2004
Dear Hon.Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji,
We are writing on behalf of "Indian Campaign To Ban Landmines", a movement of concerned people all over the world that oppose the use of land mines on humane considerations. We wish to express our grave concerns at the deployment of antipersonnel landmines along the international borders of INDIA. We recognize that the Indian Government views this as important and necessaryfor its national defense. However, as you are well aware, innocent people and animals that populate border areas are often the unintended victims of these instruments of war. We urge the government to re-evaluate the need for deploying land mines, especially in areas where civilian populations are placed at great risk from their unintended effects.In acknowledgement of recent statements by the Defense Minsitry to the effect that some of the areas mined last year are now being targeted for demining, we further urge you to, on humane grounds to consider,
Therefore, we urge you,
a) Taking all possible precautions to protect innocent lives. The Indian Government is obligated to do so in accordance with the 'Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Protocol II'.
b) Carrying out the recommendations issued by the "Heads of Government Meeting" held in Coolum, Australia March 2002.
c) Initiating the steps necessary for India to join the 1997 global Mine Ban Treaty.
Investing in the welfare of our people settled along borders and in conflict-prone areas by moving towards a total ban on use of land mines is critical, and we believe without national prejudice. India's joining the Mine Ban Treaty will make that a powerful instrument in advancing global humanity. You will, through this act of statesmanship, demonstrate once again India's deep commitment to promoting world peace and the welfare of all peoples. This is the only course that is consistent with our historical, religious and cultural values. We, all Indians, seek a mine-free INDIA in the foreseeable future.
Yours sincerely,
Concerned Indian Community living all over the world
CC: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador of India To:
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Links
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Protocol II
Coolum Declaration at
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Coolum, Australia - March 2002
1997 Mine Ban Treaty
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