We, the South Asian affiliates of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), the recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, are relieved at the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. We are further satisfied at the reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that there has been no radiation leakage from any nuclear facility in Pakistan. However, we feel that there is an urgent need to take steps for lasting peace in the region. We cannot ignore the possibility of use of nuclear weapons in case of any escalation in tension in future. The very presence of Nuclear weapons is fraught with danger of their use. The hypothesis that the nuclear weapons serve as deterrent is totally flawed. Therefore, what is needed is that a collective effort be made to take steps for a lasting peace. These include:
1. Strengthening of SAARC for a persistent collective effort.
2. Develop collective security for the region to check terrorism in any country.
3. Joint monitoring of the situation in case of any complaint of terrorist camps or violation of international border by any country of the region.
4. Resumption of bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan.
5. No interference in the affairs of other countries.
5. Declare south Asia as Nuclear Weapons free Zone and appeal to Pakistan to adopt No First Use of nuclear weapons doctrine.
6. The civil society in the region should become more pro-active to impress upon the governments for peaceful resolution of issues.
Those who released the statement include:
Dr Arun Mitra President Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD)
Mobile: +91 9417000360
Dr Tipu Sultan, President Pakistan Doctors for Peace and Development (PDPD).
Mobile: +92 300 8237633
Dr Kamrul H Khan
President Physicians for Social Responsibility Bangladesh (PSRB)
Mobile: +880 1711-563480
Dr Arun Dixit
Senior Vice President Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal (PSRN)
Mobile: +977 984-1304833
Dr Asoka Hettiarachchi
President Srilankan Doctors for Peace and Development (SDPD)
Mobile: +94 77 314 2589
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