Mumbai for Peace - Join Hands in Unity - 12th December '08 / 12 to 12.15pm

SAY NO TO TERROR AND WAR! SAY NO TO VIOLENCE!

We, the people of Mumbai, from all walks of life, of all faiths, all linguistic groups, all ages, will express our commitment to peace by coming out on the streets and holding hands in unity from 12 noon to 12.15 pm. on Friday the 12th of December 2008.

We, the people of Mumbai, who have seen hatred and bloodshed in our city, pledge that we will not give in to terror and to those who preach war, violence, hatred and intolerance. We undertake to keep Mumbai a city that is peaceful and united. We commit to building a world based on the principles of tolerance and peace, equality and justice.

We expect:

1.
Government must take responsibility and map out long-term and short-term strategies, and take action on them.
2.
Accountability, better coordination amongst various security and intelligence agencies to deal with terror; and sharing of intelligence and information.
3.
Joint action between India and Pakistan governments to curb religious extremism of all shades in both countries.
4.
Punishment of those responsible for attacks on minorities, which is also an attack on the multi-cultural body politic of India.
5.
Swift, transparent and credible trial and punishment for all those involved in terror, whatever the religion they may profess.
6.
Protection of civil and human rights of people and no arrests and torture of innocents in the name of ant- terror measures.
7.
A comprehensive Communal Violence Bill in place of the one pending in the Parliament.
8.
Immediate implementation of police reforms, providing equipment and training, basic service conditions to police personnel and state security forces. Active facilitation of community participation in security and intelligence gathering.
9.
Ensuring moderation and sensitivity in media reporting of violence whether terrorist or any other form, through self-regulation.
10.
Evolve a policy for legal action against hate speech and demonization of any religion or community.

MUMBAI FOR PEACE: a campaign of Mumbai based organizations.