In a response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, peace-lovers around the globe are joining hands in a Global StandOut for Peace in South Asia. The citizen- initiated event, taking place on Sunday (March 3, 2019), across various cities globally, was started by Indians and Pakistanis who believe their countries should have good neighborly relations with all issues resolved through dialogue.
The peace activists have been invited to join in where ever in the world they are and stand in solidarity against, war, violence and bigotry in South Asia where tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan have held the region hostage for too long.
The StandOut will take place in various cities in the USA, UK, India and Pakistan so far. People in other places are welcome to join. Confirmed locations where the event will take place Sunday include Washington, D.C. (Dupont Circle at 3 pm), Boston (MIT main entrance, 4:30 pm), London (Tavistock Square, 2 pm), Dallas (Al Markaz restaurant, 12 noon), Michigan (22575, Ann Harbor Tri, Dearborn Heights, 6 pm), Lahore (Press Club at 4 pm), Delhi (Lajpat Nagar 10am-6 pm and Red Fort, 8 pm), Dublin (the Spire, 12 noon), Providence, RI (Brown University, Faunce Steps, 12 noon – March 4). Venues and times in other places like Karachi, Mumbai, Kolkata, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco will be announced as they are finalized.
Those who’d like to join an event but unable to do so for any reason are invited to get together with friends some time on March 3. Carry signs of support in a public space or landmark, then take a picture and share it with the hashtags: #NoWar #SayNoToWar #iStandForPeace #iStandAgainstWar #PeaceInSouthAsia #GlobalStandOutForPeace. You are welcome to include slogans like “I am Indian and I stand with Pakistani peacemongers” or “I am Pakistani and I stand with Indian peacemongers”.
Bilateral peace groups supporting this initiative of individual Indians and Pakistanis include the Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, Aman ki Asha (hope for peace), Aaghaz-e-Dosti (Start Friendship), besides human rights, student and artist organizations in both countries.
