The Control Arms foundation of India (CAFI) office was inaugurated on 22nd August 2007.The ceremony took place at its office complex located at B5/146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi and was attended by over 50 guests from all walks of life.
The ceremonial light was lit by Air Cmde Jasjit Singh, Director, Centre for Air Power Studies, Lt Gen (Dr.) BS Malik, President CAFI, Dr Anuradha Chenoy, Vice President, Binalakshmi Nepram, Secretary-General of CAFI, Ashima Kaul, Treasurer, CAFI and Mr Rappai, Executive Member, CAFI. The organisation will work to address issues relating to use of force, proliferation of small arms and light weapons as they effect civil society particularly women, children and the elderly as also to create movement in the sub-continent where defence and security issues are debated through informed debate.
“The inception and opening of CAFI office is truly momentous occasion for all citizens who believe in peaceful means of managing contemporary conflicts, which is perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment in India” said Lt Gen (Dr) BS Malik, President CAFI.
“Control Arms foundation of India was also fortunate in obtaining support from all like minded people and institutions without which this day would not be seen” said Air Cmde. Jasjit Singh. He also pointed out and congratulated that CAFI is second to Institute of Defence Analysis and Research (IDSA) which is working towards controlling the menace caused by small arms in the country.
Dr.Anuradha Chenoy, Vice President, CAFI noted the relevance of organisation like CAFI in contemporary world order and to continue our work on an international Arms Trade Treaty. Secretary General (CAFI), Binalakshmi Nepram spoke about the atrocities caused by arms violence, and her determination to take the organisation forward for better resolution of arms and violence unfolding in the region. Ms Aditi Kapoor from Oxfam spoke of the continuing support that Oxfam is giving to help develop civil society initiatives such as CAFI and wished it all the luck so that it can one day become a civil society organization to reckon with.