Peace activists urge India and Pakistan to resist war hysteria and promote dialogue | Mumbai News – Times of India

MUMBAI: A group of peace activists from India, Pakistan, and elsewhere warned against war hysteria and counselled peace. In a statement, the peace activists said they condemned every form of violent extremism and terrorism but were also against war mongering.“India and Pakistan must behave responsibly. Any war between these two nuclear-armed nations would be disastrous. As history shows, it is ordinary citizens who suffer the most in conflict, especially women, children, minorities, the elderly, and other vulnerable communities forced to prove their patriotism,” the statement said. Noted filmmaker Anand Patwardhan is among the signatories of the appeal for peace.“This loud warmongering puts tremendous pressure on govts and armed forces on both sides, as well as inciting the public,” added the statement. “It has severely vitiated the political climate in South Asia, fostering mistrust among citizens.”“This cycle must end for peace to prevail. Communal and faith-based politics feeding frenzy on both sides, amplified by media and social media, gives the illusion of a consensus for war,” the statement added.The activists urged the people of India and Pakistan “to hold their govts accountable and resist any speech or action that feeds war hysteria.”