Dear Mr. Camdessus,

Deny India Aid. Do not allow false promises of benefits to workers, construction projects that will supposedly benefit the under privileged or feed and shelter the dispossessed fool you. A country which uses its might and military force to subjugate its own people, denies free and fair elections and is guilty of the grossest human rights violations cannot be trusted to do anything with IMF funds other than expand its military at the expense of the civilian population. As the news of India’s destructive political policies reach the front pages of “The New York Times” and other international media it should be apparent that the country has no desire to live up to its claim to democracy.

The central government, led by its Hindu majority aims to thwart the rights of the minority populations of Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. When confronted, the government refuses to allow International Human Rights groups access to troubled areas. It seemingly stands idle as violent mobs ravage religious shrines apparently with the approval and assistance of the governments’ security forces.

India’s nuclear program continues unabated while people living in one of the world’s richest agricultural areas starve. Its laws prohibit even discussion on nuclear related issues and thousands of people are suffering from nuclear radiation related diseases because of exposures in nuclear sites. A BBC documentary detailing the plight of the sufferers of nuclear radiations is banned in the country.

While India’s politicians make impassioned pleas for foreign and expatriate dollars its stock market and national banks reel from scandals that have cost millions of dollars. Corrupt politicians and their families steal public money and perpetuate their rule; there is no concern for the common man.

We ask that the IMF not add to the distress of our friends and families already under the jackboot of India’s army.

Or, be prepared to accept responsibility for the crimes that India commits against its citizens when its politicians use your millions to buy guns and tanks instead of building roads and bridges.

Sincerely,

Article extracted from this publication >>  April 23, 1993