Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guwahati (Fides Service) - A Catholic Archbishop is acting as mediator among ethnic groups in conflict in the state of Assam, north east India, the scene of clashes between various tribes engaged in political, economic, land, and ethnic disputes.
A person deeply committed to promoting justice and peace, respected and appreciated for his objective and impartial vision, and special gift for mediating in conflicts, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, succeeded in making peace between the Karbi and Kuki. On March 1 the parties signed a cease-fire agreement for the whole region of Anglong, the scene of recent violent clashes in which people were killed, villages and harvests burned and hundreds of people made homeless.
The clashes were mainly due to disputes with regard to the cultivation of ginger a profitable business mainly among newly arrived Kuki settlers in the district of Anglong where most people are Karbi.
When relations between the two groups deteriorated, various religious leaders, including Archbishop Menamparampil, tried to restore peace by starting negotiations. Dialogue was resumed thanks to efforts by Catholic and Protestant leaders and on March 1 in Diphu, a peace team led by Archbishop Menamparampil helped the sides to reach an agreement for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The intervention of the religious leaders met with approval from the civil authorities, public opinion and the parties hitherto in conflict. A stable peace agreement between Karbi and Kuki should be reached in the month of May.
The Joint Ecumenical Peace Team, which will continue to mediate, is proving to be an effective body to promote solutions for local.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/3/2004 lines 30 word 315)
