Guwahati Archbishop nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

GUWAHATI: Archbishop of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his initiatives to bring peace among ethnic communities of the North East.

The Archbishop's name has been nominated by a popular Italian magazine 'Il Bollettino Salesiano' which also published a four-page story on Menamparampil in its June edition titled 'A Bishop for Nobel Prize'.

"I had not expected the nomination, but was overwhelmed by it. I was told about the possibility of such a development during my visit to Rome last month," Menamparampil said here on Sunday.

"The award does not matter while carrying out peace initiatives. I will continue my mission for peace irrespective of whether I get any recognition or award. The need of the hour is adopting a non-confrontational attitude, tolerance and respect for each other for lasting peace in society," the Archbishop said.

During the last fifteen years, Menamparampil has successfully led seven major peace initiatives -- Bodo-Adivasi in 1996, Kuki-Paite in 1998, Dimasa-Hmar in 2003, Karbi-Kuki in 2003, Dimasa-Karbi in 2004, Bodo-Muslim at Udalguri in 2010 and Rabha-Garo in 2011.

"The people associated with Church negotiating peace in a conflict situation may not be considered a politically correct act, but when Church leaders and eminent citizens from warring factions join me in the conflict resolution process, it is making the Word of God come alive in the lives of people," he said.

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Govt purposefully defaming Lokpal movement: Anna Hazare

AHMEDNAGAR (Maharashtra): Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on Monday accused the office bearers of Congress and Union ministers of intentionally "defaming" the Lokpal movement and emerging NGO sector in the country.

"They (the government) making lot many allegations, including the so-called hidden support and political agenda designed by RSS and BJP, is a sheer humiliation of sentiments of the common Indians. They are trying to demoralise and confuse agitators fighting against corruption and this proves insensitivity of government," Hazare said.

Hazare also said that he had written a letter to Sonia Gandhi to draw her attention towards the "mudslinging" ahead of the next meeting of the Lokpal draft committee in Delhi.

The anti-corruption crusader, who turns 74 on June 15, was felicitated here by an NGO last evening.

While expressing his resolve to start hunger strike if the centre fails to enact the Lokpal Bill in stipulated time, Hazare said, "No one can stop the emerging social and political change in India. Now people have realised that they have to become agents of change and must not rely only on leaders and political parties."

He also reiterated his resolve to start hunger strike if the government goes back on its commitment to Lokpal Bill.

The civil society activists, led by the Gandhian, had last Monday boycotted the meeting of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill saying government's intentions raised serious doubts about having a strong anti-corruption watchdog and protesting against the police crackdown on Baba Ramdev.

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