Participants of the Global Day of Action on Military Spending in New Delhi on April 15.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 15 (MExN): With a demand for reduced military spending, the Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network organized a rally on April 15 in New Delhi. This was a part of the ‘Global Day of Action on Military Spending’ observed under the theme, ‘Cut Military Spending, Fund Human Need.’ The rally started at Raj Ghat and ended at Dilli Haat. A memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister of India and Union Defence Minister.
The memorandum called for a cut in military spending and advocated for the saved funds to be deployed towards combating and providing social security. It also called for governments in South Asia to support the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It further called upon the government of India to take the lead in international humanitarian disarmament.
A press note by the CAFI & WGSN stated that in 2013, India was recorded “as the largest arms importer in the world, overtaking China.” It informed that “India accounted for 9% of all international arms imports between 2006-2013, making it the world`s largest weapons importer.”
The note stated that funds should be spent to address issues like poverty, healthcare, education etc. In face of social and economic problems, the note stated, “We cannot be spending so much on defense.” It added, “Our battle is against starvation and deprivation, which cannot be fought with guns and missiles.”
It was informed that over 100 organizations all over the world came together for the Global Day of Action on Military Spending.
 MEETING RESOLUTION.JPG)
