New Delhi, At an emergency press conference held today at A.P. Bhavan in New Delhi, international humanitarian and peace advocate Dr. K.A. Paul appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately accept the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Dr. Paul cited seventeen reasons, most prominently the minister’s lack of aviation experience and the international fallout from the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which claimed nearly 300 lives and cast a shadow over India’s global standing.
Addressing reporters, Dr. Paul questioned the wisdom of entrusting such a critical portfolio to a 37-year-old novice in the aviation sector.
“I call for the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. At just 37, he has no background in aviation—a field of immense complexity. I have owned a private aircraft since 1991 and understand these challenges firsthand,” Dr. Paul remarked.
The April 28 disaster resulted in the deaths of 169 Indian passengers, alongside 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian citizen, and several medical students. Labeling the incident as “an international embarrassment” for India, Dr. Paul demanded accountability from the highest levels of government.
“Not only did we lose 169 Indian lives, but the British, Portuguese, and Canadian families also suffered grievous losses. To protect India’s reputation, the minister must step down.”
Beyond domestic aviation concerns, Dr. Paul voiced deep alarm over escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. In light of the looming threat of a broader military confrontation, he urged immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent a global crisis.
“I implore Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—and I call on Iran’s leadership to refrain from retaliatory action that could spiral into World War III. Humanity cannot endure another war; 56 conflicts have already cost millions of lives and trillions of dollars,” he warned.
Dr. Paul, who has previously served as a state guest in Iran and organized humanitarian aid there, cautioned that continuing tensions could have severe worldwide repercussions, particularly given the strategic alliances on both sides. He concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and restraint to avert further bloodshed.
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