Indian and Pakistani Activists Say #NoRedButton to Nuclear Weapons

This message comes when both countries have threatened to use nuclear weapons and are on the brink of war. (Photo: Global Zero India)

Nine world leaders have the power kill millions at a moment’s notice, with the push of a button – by immediately launching a nuclear strike.

Recently, Global Zero, an international movement for the elimination of all nuclear weapons, launched a powerful photo series campaign in India and Pakistan.

The aim?

To ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif to refrain from using nuclear weapons.

The fingers of the prime ministers on the “red buttons” threaten not only the future and fate of the two countries, but of the world.

Over 100 activists from New Delhi to Islamabad, Bangalore to Karachi, Amritsar to Lahore took part in a photo series, saying “Don’t Nuke Us, PM Sharif/ PM Modi. Say #NoRedButton.”

The messaging of this action comes at a time when both countries have been on the brink of war, and threats of using nuclear weapons have been made.

The consolidation of power into the hands of so few – the leaders of the 9 countries that control nuclear arsenals – raises the risk of a nuclear war – by intent, by miscalculation, or by accident.

We must work to eliminate nuclear weapons forever, to permanently dismantle the undemocratic system that gives one person absolute authority over weapons of mass destruction. We must say #NoRedButton.

The author is the South Asia Field Organiser for Global Zero in India.