Monday, August 14 2006 15:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Contending that the US legislation infringes on India's indigenous nuclear research and development, eminent scientists and pioneers of nuclear programme today (Aug 14, 2006) appealed to MPs to ensure continuance of the nuclear option and not to accede to any restraint in perpetuity of scientific freedom.

"India should continue to be able to hold on to her nuclear option as a strategic requirement in the real world that we live in, and in the ever-changing complexity of the international political system," the scientists said in a joint statement.

"This means that we cannot accede to any restraint in perpetuity of our freedom of action", said the joint statement, issued to the media just days before the Parliament is expected to debate the issue.

"Universal nuclear disarmament must be India's ultimate aim, the dream of great leaders and until we see the light at the end of the tunnel on this important issue, we cannot accept any agreement in perpetuity," the scientists stressed.

They urged the Parliamentarians to "discuss the deal and arrive at an unanimous decision, recognizing the fundamental facts of India's indigenous nuclear science and technology achievements to date, the efforts made to overcome the 'unfair' restrictions placed on us and the imaginative policies and planning enunciated and followed in the years after Independence".