Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - The north eastern part of India, a region with situations of tension and conflict, feels neglected by the central government preoccupied with the question of Kashmir and problems caused by spreading Hindu fundamentalism. The region which includes the states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, recently hit the headlines because violence stemming from ethnic clashes. In fact in this region people of at least 300 different ethnic groups often clash as they struggle with poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.
In this difficult situation the Catholic Archbishop of Guwahati (Assam state) Thomas Menamparampil a Salesian is actively involved in mediating reconciliation. Recently in Shillong, Meghalaya state, the Archbishop had a meeting with the 13 Bishops of the region state to discuss how to promote reconciliation and peace beginning at grass roots in families whose role is to educate to tolerance, peace and love and respect for others.
Besides appealing for social harmony the Bishops decided to make the first Friday of every month a Day for Peace to remind Catholics and all men and women of good will that social harmony and peace is a good to be defended and promoted. The Day will be observed with prayers and various initiatives in parishes, schools, religious communities and movements and associations .
The Archbishop has also formed a team of observers in collaboration with other Christians in the area and asked the Hindu community to support this move for peace started by the local Catholic Church, stressing that social harmony can only be built with the cooperation of all, religious leaders, intellectuals, youth, civil authorities, trade unions, associations and movements .
In his own diocese Guwahati the Archbishop has opened a Media and Publication Peace Centre to promote education to peace.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2004 lines 33 words 352)
