Control Arms Foundation of India / Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
“A vigil and drumming ceremony was organized at India Gate, where fliers were distributed to the public. We later submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Singh and also to members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
“Our battle is against starvation and deprivation, which cannot be fought with guns and missiles. In our memorandum, we call upon government of India to:
1. Cut military expenditures and deploy the saved funds towards combating poverty and providing social security.
2. Support the United Nations process for an international Arms Trade Treaty.
3. Call upon governments in South Asia to support the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
4. Take the lead in international humanitarian disarmament, which
was the pillar of India’s Foreign Policy in 1950s and 1960s.
5. Include women in peace, security, and disarmament issues.”
Photo credit: Kausiki Sarma