A Hindu seer has invited separatist leaders from Kashmir and heads of militant groups like Ulfa and Bodo to participate in a debate on peace at the ongoing Kumbh mela here.
"I have given invitation to devotees from Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and other states to participate in the Mahakumbh," Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth at Jagannath Puri, Odisha, Swami Adhokshjanand Maharaj told PTI during an interaction here.
"I have also asked leaders of Hurriyat Conference, ULFA, Bodo and other organisations to participate in a meeting to establish peace in troubled states," he said.
"Our country was at one time giving message of peace to the world, now it is seen facing many problems from internal forces. I urge the Central government to call leaders of these organisations for a discussion and find a way," he said.
The Shankaracharya was skeptical about the recent Naga peace pact, saying that such an agreement was also made during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, but problems continued.
Chief ministers of three states were not even taken into confidence while finalising the recent agreement, he said.
He also stressed the need to resolve problems through 'adhyatma' (knowledge of the self), 'yagnya' (a ritual sacrifice with a specific objective) and 'sadhana' (disciplined and dedicated practice or learning).
The seer, who arrived at the Kumbh mela camp on Sunday to a warm welcome by his followers, said various programmes like 'maha yagnya' and religious discourses have been arranged for the devotees at the event.
He described the Kumbh mela at Nashik as a symbol of peace and cultural unity.
