Guwahati (Fides Service) – Promote united efforts to stop ethnic violence in north east India, particularly in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, where hundreds of victims have been reported in recent weeks. This was the objective of about 100 delegates from seven states civil and religious leaders, members of human rights associations and movements, who met recently for a “Peace Initiative” meeting in Guwahati representing more than 300 different ethnic communities.
The purpose of the meeting, organised by the Don Bosco Youth and Education Service in collaboration with Amity Foundation, was to discern ways of restoring peace and harmony in the martyred region afflicted by violence, unemployment, poverty. The meeting attended by students journalists, civil leaders, academics and religious ended with a Peace March through the streets of Guwahati in which some 3.000 people took part.
In his address to the meeting, Salesian Father V. Thomas said: “It is our duty to suggest ways and plans of action which promote peace. We must be agents of peace and reconciliation. We can help our people say ‘No’ to violence”.
Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, directly involved in promoting peace between conflict ethnic groups encouraged those present: “peace is possible, it is within our powers. Human history is made not only of wars but also of efforts and collaboration for building great civilisations of peace”. The Archbishop stressed the need to adopt non violent action because “every life is precious”.
In a closing statement sent to Fides the participants said “the rich diversity of our region is a precious resource: the hopes and aspirations and desire for peace and development of every community must be recognised and respected ”. The statement stresses the need for transparent government and to make the network of lay and religious movements to promote peace at all levels agents of development.
(PA) (Fides Service 16/12/2003 lines 25 words 310)