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.