It is estimated that there are two bullets per person in the world-enough to kill us all, twice over. Adding to that there’s a weapon for every ten people on earth. This is the travesty of progress, where modern man has gathered enough material to endanger his own race.

These and other alarming figures recorded in a document would be released by Oxfam and Control Arms Foundation of India, later this month. Expressing deep concern over the increased availability of arms in India, the activists pointed out that India needs to be as concerned about proliferation of small arms, as big countries like the U.S. The situation has definitely worsened here, considering the fact that an illegal rifle can be bought for Rs 200 in India!

The activists have urged the Government to take effective steps to contain the menace. The NGOs have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister’s Office, Home and External Affairs ministries to support an international arms treaty. Also, they have demanded to include the proposed arms trade treaty in UN Committee on Disarmament, which is slated to meet in October 2006.

To give further momentum to their cause, the activists on September 13 held a march in New Delhi, which was participated by gun-survivors, families of the victims and supporters of the cause to insist India to sign a global arms trade treaty to regulate use of arms. Meanwhile, eminent personalities from other fields too, have extended their support to the cause.

“Arms were no solution to any dispute”, affirmed noted journalist, Kuldip Nayar. “Today people believe they can resolve their personal and societal problems through the barrel of a gun. But how long can we go on like this? Can we allow the next generation to have guns as their toys?” asked activist-writer, Patricia Mukhim.

It may be recalled that Pope Benedict XVI has given a clarion call to shun violence and to foster a “culture of peace” in a world feared to be heading towards a “clash of civilizations.”

While the Government may be divided in their opinion, to support an international arms treaty or not, the present situation calls for immediate steps. Otherwise we might reach a stage like someone had rightfully said, “where the dying would envy the dead.” End.

(Preethy Alex is the office Secretary at CBCI Commission for S. Communications, New Delhi)