• Press Release February, 2005
• 28th December 2004.
• 3rd September 2004.
• 25th November 2003.
• 17th November, 2003.
• 24th October 2003.
• 23rd October 2003.
• 21st July 2003.
• 25th March 2003.
• 23rd January 2003.
• 16th January 2003.
• 2nd January 2003.
• 8th August 2002.
• 16th July 2002.
• 11th June, 2002.
• Joint Public Statement 7th June 2002.
• 23rd May 2002.
• 28th February 2002.
• 31st January 2002.
• 1st January 2002.
• 29th December 2001.
• 18th October 2001.
• 17th September 2001.
• Joint Statement 7th August 2001.
• 27th March 2000.
• Joint Statement by Forum.
• 19th April 1999.

We are alarmed and immensely saddened at the disturbing developments following the deplorable December 13 terrorist attack on Parliament House in Delhi, which has triggered a dangerous round of India-Pakistan hostility. The two governments have become increasingly belligerent. There is a fearsome military build-up on the border, reportedly including deployment of nuclear-capable missiles. This bears no logical relationship to the stated objective of countering terrorism, or of bringing the culprits of December 13 to book.

It is imperative that the feverish hostility be cooled immediately, and that the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation be defused. India must forthwith reverse the harsh diplomatic measures imposed on Pakistan. Pakistan must reciprocate. Breaking communication links and severely downgrading diplomatic missions can only impose hardship upon citizens of both countries and further vitiate today’s climate, without encouraging a cooperative response from either government.

Nobody has a greater stake in fighting the scourge of terrorism than the citizens of India and Pakistan. State-sponsored and militant-group terrorisms have both taken a huge toll of our life and liberty. Wars, however, driven by devious or jingoistic agenda, cannot combat terrorism. Nor can draconian measures that crush freedom.

At the centre of the confrontation is Kashmir. The problem cries out for a peaceful, non-sectarian, democratic resolution through consultation with its people.

South Asia stands at a historic crossroads. If sanity and wisdom prevail, we could begin a new humane era of cooperation, peace and prosperity. Or else, over one billion people will become hostage to unending enmity and destruction, even a nuclear holocaust. We appeal to leaders of Pakistan and India to pull back from disaster’s brink.

Signed:

Praful Bidwai

Dinesh Mohan

Syeda Hameed

John Dayal

Sumanta Banerji

Tapan Bose, South Asia Forum for Human Rights

Pakistan India Forum for Peace and Democracy, India Chapter