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The World Non-Violence Day is being marked today by organising various programmes in Nepal.

The United Nations from last year on decided to mark October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as the World Non-Violence Day, in recognition of Gandhi’s non violent struggle to free India from Britain’s rule. Gandhi’s ideology was to later inspire world leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King.

Dr Sushil Koirala of Peace for Nepal said that at a time when violence has grown all over the world the main aim of the day is to convey the message that all problems can be resolved through non-violent means. Peace for Nepal has also appealed to the government to invite armed groups involved in violent activities in various parts of the country for talks.

Various human rights and civil society leaders are taking out a ‘peace rally’ through the major thoroughfares of Kathmandu and holding interactions on issues like human rights and non-violence.

Meanwhile, Minister for Local Development Ram Chandra Jha speaking at a programme in Janakpur invited the armed outfits operating in Terai for talks, but warned that groups who undermine rule of law would face tough action.

He also claimed that the armed struggle of these outfits is not even least bit inspired by politics.

Speaking at the press meet organised by Press Chautari (Dhanusha) today, Minister Jha said that the government is ready to initiate talks with the Madhesi armed groups operating and invited them into the negotiating table.

But they should stop all armed activities before coming for talks, he said.

The armed groups in Terai claim that they are waging a struggle to ‘liberate’ the Madhesi community from the age-old oppression of the state. To go about this they have stepped up targeted killing of the people of hill community living in Terai, including the government officials in Terai. The armed groups are also involved in abduction, extortion incuding other violent activities.

Jha belongs to the Madhesi community, and caught the national lime light during the Madhesi movement for talking against the “one-Madhesh” demand raised by various Terai-centric parties.