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ACHA PEACE BULLETIN
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http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACHAPeaceBulletin
A publication of Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA)
www.asiapeace.org & www.indiapakistanpeace.org
Editors:
Syed Ehtisham, MD syedmae@yahoo.com
Pritam K. Rohila, PhD pritam@open.org
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Volume X, No. 2, February 15, 2006; Next Issue, March 15, 2006
CONTENTS
Editorial
Peace Messages
Peace & Harmony News
Conferences
Earthquake Relief
Peace Education & Training
Peace Organizations
________________________________________________________________________
EDITORAL
*Peace, Syed Ehtisham, M.D.
Peace is difficult to establish. It reflects a higher form of existence than war, conflict and mayhem do. Peace is on a higher plane of evolution. Few animals worry about the future, though ants and squirrels do.
With a better handle over nature higher forms let tomorrow take care of itself. With scarcity of resources attendant upon cyclic and all-pervading climate changes, struggle of and conflict for survival began. Survival of the fittest was a natural consequence.
With evolution to the highest sensate form, with better comprehension of the forces of nature and accumulation of knowledge over millennia, humans adopted a settled existence. Organized social life of ever-enlarging groups evolved. Division of labor was in the offing.
How different classes arose in ancient times is an immense study. One can only indulge in conjecture. Perhaps the physically better endowed got together and eventually formed the warrior/kingly class. The brainier ones took to priesthood, the shrewd to commerce, the less imaginative to agriculture and the less scrupulous relegated to lower classes, if from the dis-empowered and to diplomatic service, if well-connected. The defeated and the victims of a famine were naturally consigned to the lowest classes.
Communities evolved and developed differently given the vast distances and poor communication. Natural phenomenon lost their mystique. Divine religions took over to bring order in chaos. Power brokers used it to attain and justify their ends.
Perceptive brains discovered a thread of economics pervading over all societies. The wretched of the earth remained wretched under all systems. If any thing their lot worsened over the ages as means of production changed. The common man, relative to
resources was better off in the prehistoric nomadic age than in the tribal, feudal, colonial, national-capitalist and the current Global Capitalist ages.
Misery has been obscured by technological progress, but if you compute the disparity in income and consumption between the lowest and the highest you will be in for a surprise.
Comprehensive peace requires radical restructuring of the means and control of production. It is admittedly an over simplification. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip. I am only pointing the general direction.
The relevant moves to peace over the past weeks are presented for edification. Also, I invite you to check out the Peace Organizations, we plan to feature in this Bulletin from time to time. We need good wishes, input, and active involvement of all right minded people to develop a milieu of peace and understanding specially among the peoples of South Asia and to promote mechanisms of conflict resolution, debunk narrow, chauvinistic and parochial thought process.
PEACE MESSAGES
*Cultivation of non-violence and the power of truth, Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Himal, Janaury-February 2006 http://www.himalmag.com/2006/january/cover_story_3.html
Mahatma Gandhi has been a source of inspiration to me ever since I was a small boy growing up in Tibet. He was a great human being with a deep understanding of human nature. He made every effort to encourage the full development of the positive aspects of the human potential and to reduce or restrain the negative.
Mahatma Gandhi took up the ancient but powerful idea of ahimsa or non-violence and made it familiar throughout the world. However, I think it is important to acknowledge that non-violence does not mean the mere absence of violence. It is something more positive, more meaningful than that. The true expression of non-violence is compassion. Some people seem to think that compassion is just a passive emotional response instead of a rational stimulus to action. To experience genuine compassion is to develop a feeling of closeness to others combined with a sense of responsibility for their welfare. This develops when we accept that other people are just like ourselves in wanting happiness and not wanting suffering.
As an admirer of Gandhiji, I consider the cultivation of non-violence and compassion as part of my daily practice. I do not think of it as something that is holy or sacred but as of practical benefit to myself. The practice gives me satisfaction; it gives me a peace that is very helpful for developing sincere, genuine relationships with other people. Mahatma Gandhi’s great achievement was to revive and implement the ancient Indian concept of non-violence in modern times, not only in politics, but also in day-to-day life. He revealed how non-violence and compassion are relevant in today's world by showing that non-violence means that if you can help and serve others you should do so. If you cannot, you must at least restrain yourself from harming others out of recognition of their rights and needs.
Consequently, although violence is still rife in our world, the trend of global opinion is to recognise that the future lies in non-violence. Today, there is a growing awareness worldwide of the meaning of non-violence, but its application is not restricted merely to other human beings. It also has to do with ecology, the environment and our relations with all the other living beings with whom we share the planet. Non-violence can be applied in our day-to-day lives whatever our position or vocation. It is even relevant to medical procedures, education systems, legal procedures and other fields.
Another important aspect of the Mahatma’s legacy is that he won independence for India simply by telling the truth. His practice of non-violence depended wholly on the power of truth. The unprecedented fall of oppressive regimes in several parts of the world has demonstrated once more that even decades of repression cannot crush people's determination to live in freedom and dignity. As a Tibetan who has spent more than half my life in exile, I continue to believe that for us too this truth will ultimately triumph.
PEACE & HARMONY NEWS
*Shia, Sunni groups agree on ceasefire Daily Times | Sunday, February 12,2006
http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269622&category=Frontend&Country=PAKISTAN
HANGU: A ceasefire agreement was reached between rival Shia and Sunni groups in Hangu on Saturday after several hours of negotiations, two days after a suicide bomb attack on a Shia mourning procession at Ashura. “A ceasefire agreement was reached and a peace committee set up, consisting of members from both sides, to supervise the situation,” Kohat Deputy Inspector General Abdul Majeed Khan said. Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) NWFP President Senator Gul Naseeb led the talks, where each group blamed the other for Thursday’s suicide attack and the ensuing rioting.
Under the ceasefire agreement, both sides would leave their positions at hilltops, and the army would be deployed at strategic locations to keep both groups from re-occupying the areas.
*South Asian Free Media Association meet begins in Hyderabad, India THE NEWS | Sunday, February 12,2006
http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269549&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr YS Rajshekhara Reddy has said that the media shoulders an enormous responsibility in maintaining peace and harmony among the people within and without the country.
Addressing the inaugural session of the fifth South Asian Free Media Association (Safma) conference titled "National languages media and peace in South Asia" here at Ramuji Film City on Saturday, the chief minister highlighted the media role in improving the people-to-people contact among South Asian states.
However, Reddy said the media should not be blind to the repercussions that unrestrained outbursts of media people could lead to. "At times, what is communicated may unintentionally provoke a section of society and prove too costly to a restive crowd." Reddy quoted the example of recent controversy with regard to publication of irreverent cartoons.
He said the media would have to evolve a self-regulatory mechanism for discharging its duties effectively. About the role of national languages media, he said its quest for promoting peace could be better served if the journalists ascertained their work without prejudice.
Safma secretary-general Imtiaz Alam said the people had fallen victim to the complex multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies of the South Asia. "The media has been a part of the problem, spreading hatred and demonising each other across the boarder," he added. He said in such an environment, Safma still struggled for the rights of the media. He called upon the governments of India and Pakistan to hold the third round of composite dialogue. "I hope the governments would not indulge into war of words," he said.
In total 185 delegates, 80 from India, 45 from Pakistan, 25 from Bangladesh, 18 from Nepal, 15 from Sri Lanka and 2 from Afghanistan, came together in Hyderabad to attend the moot.
*Bangladeshi PM due in Pakistan today DAILY TIMES | Sunday, February 12,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269541&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN
ISLAMABAD: Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khalida Zia is due to arrive today (Sunday) in Islamabad for a three-day visit. Pakistan and Bangladesh are likely to sign four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one agreement to promote cooperation in agriculture, tourism and other sectors during Zia’s visit.
*Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit Pak for Sikh event THE HINDU | Sunday, February 12,2006
http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269533&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accepted an SGPC invitation to participate in a religious procession from Amritsar to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in June. The event, scheduled from June 12 to June 14, will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth guru, SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar told PTI after meeting Singh here.
Also, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the top Sikh religious administration has requested the Prime Minister to attend another event scheduled for June 16, at Tarn Taran in memory of the fifth Sikh guru, he said.
*India helps restore Afghanistan heritage MUMBAI MIRROR | Sunday, February 12,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269683&category=Frontend&Country=AFGHANISTAN&pro=0
NEW DELHI: After taking up construction of roads, parliament, schools, hospitals and training policemen for Afghanistan, India is helping Afghanistan in raising a posse of archaeologists to restore the cultural heritage that Taliban destroyed during over a decade of its rule.
A multi-member team having representation from National Archives, Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Museum have visited Kabul twice in the recent months to work out the modalities for the restoration of Afghan monuments and look at the possibilities of rediscovering common cultural heritage between the two countries.
*Kite flying allowed in Pakistan for 15 days THE NEWS |Saturday, February 11,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269438&category=Frontend&Country=PAKISTAN
LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed kite-flying from February 25 to March 10 and observed that no dangerous material including 'Manja', was permitted.
The court observed that after March 10, there would be a complete ban on kite flying and manufacturing.
*Bhutan royalty learning Hindi HINDUSTAN TIMES | Saturday, February 11,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269370&category=Frontend&Country=BHUTAN&pro=0
PATNA: Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's sister is in Bodh Gaya in Bihar and taking lessons in Hindi in order to communicate with people at the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Ashi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck, the monarch's second sister, said she was learning Hindi to mingle with the locals because she was eager to understand their feelings and sentiments. "Hindi is the only medium to understand the people, so I am trying to learn the language fast," Ashi Dechen, a Buddhist herself, told IANS over telephone from Bodh Gaya. "It is important to know the views of people who belong to the place where the Buddha got knowledge," she said, speaking in English. Ashi Dechen is also vice chairperson of the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Association. She has picked up a smattering of Hindi on what is her fifth visit to India and to Bodh Gaya.
After visiting the Buddhist circuit in Bihar and in Uttar Pradesh, Ashi Dechen, accompanied by some members of the Bhutanese royal family, will visit Jammu and Kashmir and Kanyakumari.
Another member of the Bhutanese royalty, Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, is on a separate India visit accompanied by Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck. They will be visiting Jaipur, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Kerala and Kolkata.
*India interested in railway link with B'desh NEW KERALA | Saturday, February 11,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=269383&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN
AGARTALA: India is interested in railway link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh, which could help boost bilateral trade and commerce, a senior official of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said Friday.
D N Srivastav, Minister (Commerce) of the High Commission who was here to explore the trade possibilites, said a proposal has been put before the Bangladesh government for access to Chittagong port, which is 70 km from Sabroom town in South Tripura district.
Yet another proposal has been made for access to Ashuganj port, a river port of that country which is about 37 km from here, he said.
Srivastav said Bangladesh wanted transit to Nepal and Bhutan through India and the proposal in this regard is being looked into. He is scheduled to leave for Dhaka tomorrow.
*Indo-Pak border officials meet at Wagah DAILY TIMES |Wednesday, February 08,2006 http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=268963&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN
LAHORE: A 10-member Pakistan Rangers delegation led by Colonel Ahmed Najib Khan crossed the border into India to attend the quarterly co-ordination meeting between Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the joint check post, Wagah (Indian side), on Tuesday.
BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shri Harish Chaudhry Kashyap received the Pakistani delegation at the border.
Col Najib told reporters that the meeting was part of a mutually agreed programme to coordinate measures being taken by the two forces for the border management. He said the Pakistani delegation would discuss points related to the Indian defence-oriented construction despite an agreement taken in the last bi-annual meeting to maintain status quo. He said that Pakistan Rangers would also discuss incidents concerning trans-border smuggling, illegal border crossing from the Indian side into Pakistan, drug trafficking, repatriation of inadvertent crossers and simultaneously co-ordinated border patrolling.
Kashyap said that India was doing defence construction on the international border and the working boundary according to international rules.
*Centre (India) talks CBMs with ULFA in Assam Hindustan Times |Wednesday, February 08,2006
http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=268860&category=Frontend&Country=INDIA
NEW DELHI: With an eye on the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam, the Centre on Tuesday agreed to examine and initiate a series of confidence building measures (CBMs) to pave the way for direct talks with ULFA leaders.
Tuesday's CBMs include taking a close look at the alleged human rights violations and release of some ULFA militants, currently in Assam jails, though in consultation with the state government.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the 11-member Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) - authorised by the ULFA to negotiate with the Centre - and National Security Advisor MK Narayanan.
"Both sides agreed that a peaceful environment in Assam was necessary to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and as a prerequisite for further discussions. Both sides agreed to work for the creation of such an environment," Home Secretary VK Duggal said in a statement after the marathon meeting that lasted over two hours.
*A Varanasi Madarsa seeks to impart modern education, Girish Kumar Dubey, New Kerala, January 26, 2006 http://newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=95369
Varanasi: Madarsas, or the Islamic schools, have long been known for their religious syllabus around the world. But, a Madarsa in Varanasi , is offering lessons in patriotism and modern education to its students.
As India celebrates its 57th Republic Day, the loud voice of students in a Madarsa singing “Sare Jahan Se Achha” and “Vande Matram” makes one stop for a moment and take notice of the transformation taking place in the modern India.
“The best thing about this place is that members of both communities—Muslim and Hindu—are taking care of this Madarsa. Kids are being taught here about social and communal harmony,” says Dr. Rajni Kant, Director, Human Welfare Association.
This Madarsa intends to prepare students who are able to compete with students of other schools of the country. Thus, it is not only teaching students national songs but also giving them modern education.
Interestingly, Hindus and Muslims are together running this Madarsa. Guardians are happy with the concept of Madarsa and they are confident that one day their kids will set an example to others.
“Our concentration is on to give modern education to children, according to the norms set by the Central and Uttar Pradesh Government. We want our children to become like A.P.J Abdul Kalam, who first became a scientist and then the President of the country, “says Mohammad Shakir Hussain, a parent.
“I wish to become a Doctor and want to serve my country. I have seen people dying of deadly diseases, I want to cure them,” says Soni Bano, a student.
Madarasas are traditional educational institutions for the children of Muslims, especially for the poor children who can not afford to go to other schools.
But, in general, the main problem with Madarasa education has been that the students of these institutions cannot compete for mainstream jobs due to their obsolete study curriculum. All they can do is to aspire for jobs of imams and clerks in Wakf-run bodies.
*Peace bus to roll down Rajpath on India Republic Day, Ajay Kaul, Rediff.com, January 18, 2006
http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/jan/18rday.htm
The 'Aman Setu' (peace bridge) and the 'Carvan-e-aman', symbols of reunion of the people of Jammu and Kashmir divided by the Line of Control 58 years ago, will come alive on the historic Rajpath on this year's Republic Day.
Captured in the form a tableau, the historic event of April 7, 2005, when the bridge was reopened, will be showcased before the nation during the main celebrations to be presided by President A P J Abdul Kalam.
The float from Jammu and Kashmir depicts the 'Kaman Post', the last point on the LoC, and 'Aman Setu', which stands across the dividing line in Jammu and Kashmir, in an ambience reflecting the culture of the state.
On the bridge will be seen people in traditional Kashmiri attire crossing over to mark shattering of the 57-year-old mental and physical barriers.
With the famous Kashmiri number 'Bhumbro Bhumbro' forming the backdrop, folk dancers will sing and dance in front of the bridge to celebrate the occasion.
The Sringar-Muzaffarabad bus, titled 'Carvan-e-Aman' (caravan of peace), can be seen approaching the bridge at the end of the tableau.
CONFERENCES
*March 1-2, 2006, Kathmandu, Nepal: SOUTH ASIA AS A ZONE OF PEACE is the theme of the Eighteenth Annual Conference of Literary Association of Nepal (LAN). The conference will focus on the representations of conflict and its management between/among the different ethnic communities or classes of people in a South Asian country or between/among nations in South Asia. More info from Dr. Beerendra Pandey, Secretary, LAN, 109/64 ‘Ka’ Madhya Banehswar, Kathmandu bpandeykpandey@yahoo.com
EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
*March 4, Buena Park, CA: JOINT INDO-PAKISTANI FUND-RAISER featuring a concert by half a dozen singers. (Hanif Noormohammad, Tahir Hussain, Charanjeet, Sarika Ravindran, Leena Benjamin, and Mayuri & Kirti Patel) is being organized by the Council of Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce, Council of Pakistan American Affairs, and the local Jain community, at the Jain Center Cultural Complex, 8032 Commonwealth Avenue. All proceeds, including those already donated and/or pledged ($2,500 by the Sanatan Dharma Temple of Norwalk, $6,000 by the Council of Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce, $5,000 by the Council of Pakistan American Affairs, $5,000 by Kanda’s Federation of Indian Associations, and $1,000 by Dr. Jaswant Modi) will be sent to thr Bidada Sarvodaya Trust in India and Edhi Foundation in Pakistan. Tickets (including a vegetarian dinner) at $30, and $100, and more info from Sarfraz Khan at 626.922.9105 or skhan@linkline.com
PEACE EDUCATION & TRAINING
*May 8-22, 2006, Nilgiris,Tamilnadu, India: THE SUMMER COURSE ON ISLAM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS, is an intensive two week residential, English medium course designed to give participants an understanding of Islam, its practices, history, philosophy and theology, as well as to allow them to examine and deepen the knowledge of their own faith, as well as the meaning of encounter and relationship between people of different faiths with the objective of promoting peace between people of different faiths. It is open to men and women of all faiths. It will be held at Highfield, UESI CONF CENTRE, Kotgiri, Nilgiris-643217. Tamilnadu, SOUTH INDIA. Course Fee is $150. Subsidized rate available for participants from Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal andBangladesh is Rs. 4000. More info from the Academic Coordinator at 6-3-128/1, Beside National Police Academy Shivarampally, Hyderabad - 500052, R.R.Dist. Telephones : ( 91-40)24014231, 24014258,
TeleFax :24014565, +91 9849284893(cell), E-mail: hmi_academics@yahoo.com , www.hmiindia.com
*Postgraduate Courses in Peace Studies for the academic year 2006/07, at the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University, UK
The Centre’s work is focused on deepening understanding and promoting processes of peace-building and reconciliation at all levels, throughout the world. Our work is informed by the belief that in the struggle to achieve peace, the transformative power of nonviolence is central. It offers the following courses:
1. MA in Peace and Reconciliation Studies is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time programme
2. Postgraduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution Skills offers practical understanding of the causes and dynamics of conflict situations and how to handle them.
Following a two-week residential summer school at Coventry during early September, students complete their assignments with tutorial support provided through distance learning.
PEACE ORGANIZATIONS
*Develop In Peace (DIP)
DIP was co-founded by two gentlemen, Amit Shah a physician and Gautam Desai an Academic and finance adviser both based in Raleigh, NC. It is a secular democratic body, which has successfully launched many projects including EMS Gujarat, Chowrangi Magazine and AANA, a Human Rights advocacy group. Participants include activists and progressives from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Please write to developinpeace@yahoogroups.com
*Commission for Peace and Human Development, Carry Homes Flats, 5-Temple Road, Lahore-Pakistan. Ph : +92-42-7359295, Fax : +92-42-7211959, E-mail: cphd@wol.net.pk
Muslim and religious leaders came together at a seminar on “Contemporary Religious Intolerance in Pakistan - Causes and Remedies” to mull over the causes and remedies of contemporary religious intolerance in Pakistan. They were of the opinion that it was the failure of the government to promote tolerance in the country and religious leaders need to take on more responsibility in this regard.
The seminar was organized by Commission for Peace and Human Development (CPHD) on January 26, 2006 at Durab Patel Hall, Aiwan-e-Jamhoor, New Garden Town. Archbishop Lawrence J Saldanha of Lahore was the chief guest while Khateeb Badshahi Mosque Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad chaired the seminar. President Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith Pakistan Hafiz Zubair Ahmad Zaheer, Bishop Samuel Azariah Bishop of Raiwind, s General Secretary Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Pakistan Maulana Maqboolur Rehman Ansari, scholar Safdar Hassan Siddiqi, I. A. Rehman, Director HRCP and Cecil Chaudhry, Principal St Anthony’s College shared their views.
Bishop Samuel Azriah said religion has become instrument of Pakistan’s daily life. “Both the Muslim and Christian religious leaders are not practically working for a tolerant society. Religion has been confined to verbal oration and we have to change our attitude,” he lamented. He suggested the need of active dialogue between Christians and Muslims. “We should plan common joint programs that may bring the communities closer. We should perhaps organize workshop for Madrassa and seminary students so that they may live together for some time. This would create more understanding,” he explained.
I. A. Rehman urged the government to adopt affirmative steps to end intolerance in the country. “The appointment of woman as State Bank Governor is a step that tells the world that Pakistani women too can hold such important posts. Similarly affirmative steps need to be taken to end intolerance. More people from minorities should be encouraged in civil service. Discriminatory laws should end,” he maintained.
Maulana Maqbool Ur Rehman Ansari said the whole complexion of the world has changed. “Those who are spreading hatred are not part of any religion. These people should be condemned,” he said.
Cecil Chaudhry was of the view that religious intolerance began in Zia era when separate electorate system was introduced. “Joint electorate is the first step to end intolerance but we have to go beyond that to ensure social harmony,” he said.
Safdar Hassan Siddiqi, who has written 10 books including ‘Role of Islam in 21st century’, and ‘Religious tolerance’, said there are two types of people in the world believers and non-believers. “It is high time the believers work to create harmony,” he said.
In the end a resolution was passed condemning those engaged in spreading hatred in the society. It urged government to end the discriminatory laws and policies and delete the portions in the syllabus that create hatred against different communities. It said that Pakistan must be a democratic and moderate state where citizens are treated irrespective of their belief.