India: Youth workshop, December 2005

Participants from the border states of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan

The Indian Institute for Peace, Disarmament & Environmental Protection (IIPDEP) arranged the LEAP (Youth Leadership Education and Action) training workshop in Theborder district of Rajasthan state between 26-28 December 2005.
40 young people from the border states of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan attended the workshop. These states have a severe problem landmines and SALW. Weapons and drugs are smuggled through these border villages to various parts of India. This easy money encourages young people to turn towards this vicious smuggling business and fall prey to drugs.

Panel

Dr. Balkrishna Kurvey (IIPDEP), Commandant Manjit Singh Chimani (Border Security Force), Rajkumra Goud (Chairman UIT); Shankar Pannu, Member of Parliament.

IIDPEP's main aim for arranging this youth training workshop was to raise awareness of the effects of small arms and light weapons (SALW) on society and role of youths. After the workshop it is hoped that youth organisations will be formed in their cities/states for public education and awareness especially to young people.