In Indian state of Uttar Pradesh alone, there are 900,000 arms ... illustrations
came after a discussion that I had with Mr Arambam Nongdren in winter of 2007.
Control Arms Foundation of India
Dear Readers,
1
2 Indians die everyday due to gun violence. Gurgaon, Satna, Bhopal spurts of school shooting in the recent months have shocked the country and remain etched in public consciousness and everyday gun killings occurred in Manipur, Nagaland and various conflict areas. Global statistics of school shootings showed 460 students killed and 766 injured in the various gun shootings at different schools around the world. Majority of the students responsible for this act belongs to the age group of 14-17 years. Educational institutions across the world are reeling under the impact of easy access of arm affecting youth in campus. In India recently, two fellow students of a Gurgaon school studying at class VIII, shot their colleague with the legal gun (imported .32 Harrison pistol) stolen from his father. In another incident, a father’s locally made crude gun was used by a student of a Madhya Pradesh run school, in order to kill his younger school friend. In April 2007, a first year student of Deccan Engineering College, Hyderabad sustained bullet injuries after being allegedly shot by his senior. The majority of estimated 40 million firearms in India are in civilian possession. In Indian state of Uttar Pradesh alone, there are 900,000 arms license holder, and the number of arms dealers is at present pegged at around 1,400. India is the second most heavily armed country in the world. Worldwide, a thousand people die every day because of gun violence and many more seriously injured. Many are women and children. Majority of gun owners are civilians, so also are the majority of gun violence victims. Lack of regulation of the ongoing international arms trade is also hurting Indian citizens. Easy availability of arms help in fueling the ongoing conflict in different part of India. The spread of illegal arms in India fueling demand for legal arms as desperate citizens seek refuge in the false promise that arming themselves will protect them from attack. In 2001, the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons was set up in order to look into this issue of massive arms proliferation. And later in 2006, 153 countries voted for the resolution to start the work on an Arms Trade Treaty. This book contains series of sketches drawn by Mr Konjengbam Gautam Singh from Manipur, reflects the problem and tries to find answers to resolve the crisis. The concept of this illustrations came after a discussion that I had with Mr Arambam Nongdren in winter of 2007. These illustrations are an example of how we can channel our young positive energies to bring about the change we want to see in this world. I would also like to thank Ms Paromita Nath for all her tireless efforts to design this humble book. It is the time to join hands at the local, national, regional and global levels to combat the massive proliferation of arms trade which is out of control. Hope you will enjoy reading this unique book. Binalakshmi Nepram Secretary General Control Arms Foundation of India
In
1992 the United Nations Resolution No. 50/70 called for a panel to study the issue of Small Arms Violence In 2001 the United Nations had its first session on all aspects of Small Arms and Light Weapons In 2006 153 countries voted for a resolution on Arms Trade Treaty at the United Nations
How long will gun killings and armed violence continue in our villages, towns, cities and countries? Do our children deserve to inherit an armed and violent society? Say no to armed violence. Make the Arms Trade Treaty happen.
IIIustration : Mr Konjengbam Gautam Singh Concept: Ms Binalakshmi Nepram & Mr Arambam Nongdren Design & layout : Ms Paramita Nath For more details & information, please contact: Control Arms Foundation of India B 5/ 146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi- 110029, India Phone: +91 11 46018541 Fax: +91 11 26166234 Email:
[email protected] www.cafionline.org
