Urges CM M. K. Stalin to Safeguard Democratic Values as Non-Political Peace Event Awaits Clearance

Chennai, India – February 18, 2026

Dr. K. A. Paul, President of the Global Peace Initiative and an international evangelist, on Tuesday stated that administrative actions are obstructing the Chennai Global Peace Festival scheduled for February 22 by withholding final police permission despite full compliance with all required procedures.

A formal application seeking police clearance was submitted one month ago along with the prescribed Demand Draft payment and complete supporting documentation. With only three days remaining before the event, official approval has not been granted. The continued delay in granting clearance to a peaceful, non-political interfaith gathering raises serious concerns regarding the functioning of democratic processes.

Citing Article 19 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, Dr. Paul urged the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, to ensure that democratic values are upheld in the state and that lawful peace initiatives are not hindered by administrative barriers.

“This is a peace event, not a political rally,” Dr. Paul stated. “The Government of Tamil Nadu must ensure that constitutional freedoms are protected and that this interfaith gathering proceeds without obstruction.”

The press conference at The Park Hotel was organized as a curtain raiser for the Chennai Global Peace Festival, a non-political interfaith initiative aimed at promoting unity, dialogue, and harmony among communities. The festival is being organized by the Global Peace Initiative with the support of more than 3,000 bishops, pastors, and religious leaders representing Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions.

The objective of the festival is to promote global harmony and call for an end to the 58 major wars currently taking place around the world. Invitations have been extended across political lines, including Members of Parliament from both the BJP and Congress, reinforcing the non-partisan character of the initiative.

On February 5, 2026, Dr. Paul personally recruited in Washingto D C the U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other global leaders seeking support for the peace mission. Soeajer Johnsons openly endorsed the Chennai Global Peace meeting at YMCA Nandanam Grounds at 6 PM . Enclosed is the video .

During the press interaction, Dr. Paul addressed the absence of media representatives. More than 60 Bureau Chiefs and senior journalists were formally invited, and confirmations were received. However, none were present except ANI Information available indicates that external pressures influenced participation. Dr. Paul called for transparency, emphasizing that press freedom and peaceful assembly are fundamental pillars of democracy.

The Chennai Global Peace Festival will be held at YMCA Nandanam Grounds, Chennai, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The program will feature addresses by Dr. K. A. Paul and religious leaders of multiple denominations, interfaith prayers, and appeals for global peace. The event will be broadcast live internationally.

Dr. Paul reiterated that the initiative is entirely non-political and dedicated to youth engagement, interfaith understanding, and democratic values. He urged authorities to grant immediate clearance to ensure that a lawful and peaceful gathering is not prevented through administrative delay.

The Global Peace Initiative remains committed to peaceful and lawful action. As Dr. Paul concluded, “Let peace prevail in India. Let Chennai inspire the world.