THE All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), in a statement issued on February 7, expressed its deep grief to the people of Turkey and Syria who faced one of the severest earthquakes to strike that region. More than 3,000 people have died and many more are injured. Reports suggest that the death toll might rise as the rescue operations gather pace.

The AIPSO urges the governments of Turkey and Syria to prioritise relief and rescue operations. It demands the US, NATO and other military forces active in the region to immediately cease their operations and withdraw at least now. In the face of such a deadliest natural calamity, it is our bounden duty to stand with the people of these two countries and extend relief, not to wage war or create sectarian strife.

The AIPSO stands with the people of Turkey and Syria in this hour of grief and expresses it willingness to do all within its power to provide relief to the effected people. The AIPSO urges the government of India to immediately extend generous relief to the effected regions and participate in the rescue operations.