India and Pakistan, Stop Your Nuclear Tests!

By Kim Jee-Man ("Jay")

Published in The Korea Herald, Readers' Forum, Thursday, June 11, 1998


        Both India and Pakistan's nuclear weapons' tests are making this area the most dangerous place in the world. The world is entangled in nuclear fear. South Asia, which is a very poor area, is booming with nuclear experimentations. India exploded nuclear devices last May 11th and 13th, and later Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests on May 28th.
        If we think Pakistan's nuclear experimentations are justified, there could be several reasons. The first reason is that Pakistan was standing up to the five largest nuclear powers. Actually, the five largest nuclear powers have forced other countries not to have nuclear weapons, even though they possess them. So, Pakistan could think that countries which have nuclear weapons can't blame countries which don't have them. Yes, it is a contradiction. However, we need to consider it deeply. What about the current? All countries want peace, don't they? If Pakistan and India want to possess nuclear weapons, this is contrary to the current.
        The second reason is Pakistan could feel a menace from India which experienced wars three times. Pakistan could think that the only method to defend themselves is to arm their military with nuclear weapons as India did. But, this is an illusion. Even though they possess nuclear weapons, they still could feel fear of a war. Rather, if they have nuclear weapons, they might raise only to other countries' defensiveness. They should know about this principle, which could lead them to destruction.
        The third reason we can guess is that Pakistan is trying to attribute their domestic problems to outside interests for a political aim. However, we cannot help regretting Pakistan's nuclear tests, because Pakistan's hasty policy could stimulate other countries to develop nuclear weapons, particularly North Korea. They must recognize clearly that nuclear tests are not of an easy and simple nature.
        All over the world, lots of countries are trying to get nuclear weapons and put them to the test. Even though right now, we can't assume whether any countries are having tests or not anywhere, the world should take this opportunity to reorganize nuclear order. The world forum of public opinion are persuading them to join the N.P.T. (Nonproliferation Treaty) and the C.T.B.T. (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty). If Pakistan and India don't want to join these organizations, it is a threat to the world and human beings. If they don't give up nuclear tests, it is natural that Pakistan and India get the world's blame and disciplinary action.
        The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a dangerous thing, because it could lead to the final destruction of the whole world. Moreover, the world order could be threatened by nuclear tests. Both Pakistan and India should realize this fact, and stop their tests immediately. International society should punish both India and Pakistan, mercilessly, with economic restrictions so that they will not have nuclear tests anymore. We hope that as soon as possible both India and Pakistan will withdraw from nuclear testing and show that they care about world peace.


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