ISLAMABAD, Sept. 2: There remains a real danger that nuclear holocaust between India and Pakistan may start in this region, which is a matter of concern for the whole world, said Terasawa Junesi, the head of a 10-member Prayer March for Peace 2002 team, while speaking at TVO auditorium here on Monday.

The president of Pakistan Buddhist Association and former federal Minister, Raja Tridev Roy, presided over the function, which was arranged by Pakistan Human Rights Association, Islamabad chapter.

Pervez Hoodbhoy, Khwaja Masud, Iqbal Jafar, Dr Inayatullah and some human rights activists were also present at the function.

Besides Mr Terasawa, a Japanese, the prayer march includes Korostelov Sergiy (Ukraine), Pakhamov Sergey (Russia), Shmyglya Alexey (Kazakhstan), Abillaev Rusian (Krygystan), Shvedovskiy Felix (Russia), Makhamatov Timour (Russia), Chidokov Alexander (Russia), Chupalev Lechi (Russia) and Chupalev Timur (Russia).

However, Mr Terasawa feared that the clash of civilisations might well occur in the region.

He said, during the 21st century the area was enmeshed in great power games, in which Kashmir and LoC were tension-prone factors.

“However, the situation can improve with people of Pakistan and India going forward to articulate the vision of peace. He added that Gandhara civilisation was unique in the sense that there was no element of hostility or war in it and this would be an appropriate model for people to pursue peace.

He said he would propagate Gandhara peace vision in India after reaching Amritsar.

The leader of the March said his Japanese teacher Mr Nichidatsu, who is presently living in Bombay and preaching there Lord Buddha’s gospel for human love and peace, had profoundly influenced him.

He said his teacher was visited by the Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturbai, who took him to the Indian leader’s prayer cottage, called Ashram. Mr Nichidatus had lived with the Mahatma for many years where he had worked with the Mahatama to free subcontinent from the British imperialism. That’s why, he was expelled from India by the British rulers.

Mr Terasawa maintained the harshness of the Japanese government motivated him against conflict, war and cruelty being perpetrated to fulfil the interests of big powers. He said in Chechnya, he prayed for peace and opposed the war.

He said in Europe, the threat of nuclear war had receded after the break-up of Soviet Union and especially after the Gulf War.

“But nuclear war between India and Pakistan are the potent dangers due to the lingering legacy of Kashmir problem,” he said.

Mr Terasawa appreciated the people of Pakistan for their goodwill gesture.—Jonaid Iqbal