Hastings peace activists mark Fly Kites Not Drones event

Residents braved a cold and blustery seafront on Saturday (March 18) to take part in this year's Fly Kites Not Drones, an annual event aimed at exposing the growing use of armed drones across the world.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2017, 11:02 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:21 BST

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Residents flying kites. Picture by Laurie HoldenResidents flying kites. Picture by Laurie Holden
Residents flying kites. Picture by Laurie Holden

Fly Kites Not Drones was launched by the Afghan Peace Volunteers, a peace group based in Kabul who wished to highlight how, in their war-torn country, children are afraid to fly kites for fear of attack from armed drones, the unmanned vehicles which can fly at such heights as to not be visible.

Armed drones have been used in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and elsewhere.

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On Saturday kites were flown on the beach opposite the Carlisle pub. The kite flyers wore blue scarves made in Afghanistan and worn by the Afghan Peace Volunteers. John Lynes said: “I was glad there was a good breeze, the kites flew well, and it was good to feel an affinity with the Afghan people.”

Peace activist Maya Evans said: “We had a great time flying kites. Lots of members of the public asked why we were gathered. It was nice to be able to explain our connection to young people in Afghanistan and explain in some counties in the world children are threatened by weaponised drones.”

The event was organised by Hastings Against War.

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Related topics:ResidentsHastingsAfghanistan