Anna gets invite,Pak next stop

Pak delegation requested Anna to take up the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners.

A Pakistani delegation of human rights activists and civil society members working for peace among neighbouring countries met social activist Anna Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi on Wednesday.

The delegation,including former judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan Nasir Aslam Zahid and founder of Pakistan India Forum for Peace and Democracy Karamat Ali,invited Anna Hazare to visit Pakistan to spread the message of non-violence and boost the efforts of the activists working for strengthening democracy in that country.

Anna Hazares visit would be a great boost to our efforts. We came here to request him that as soon as he gets time he should come to Pakistan to spread awareness about the power of a non-violent struggle.

Today,Annas words have immense power not only in India,but also throughout South Asia and the entire world, said Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid.

The delegation requested Anna to take up the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners,most of them fishermen,languishing in the jails of the other country. The delegation hoped that Annas visit would also improve the India-Pakistan relations.

Anna Hazare has accepted the delegations invitation and promised them that as soon as his health permits,he would visit the neighbouring country.

I believe in the religion of humanity,and humanity should begin with your neighbour. Like Indians,Pakistanis too are suffering due to widespread corruption in their country. I will go to Pakistan. In fact,I will go anywhere for the sake of peace and poor people, Hazare said.

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The delegation also had a 20-minute closed-door meeting with Hazare here followed by lunch at Hind Swaraj Trust kitchen.

The guests seemed to have enjoyed the traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.

Anna accepts Tewari apology in writing

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday tendered a written apology to Anna Hazare in response to a legal notice issued to him by Hazares lawyer Milind Pawar. We have accepted the apology, said Pawar,on behalf of Hazare. Before Hazare launched his indefinite fast from August 16,Tewari had said he was steeped in corruption from head to toe. Apologising for his remark,Tewari in his letter stated that he had already expressed regret for his remarks on the issue on August 25 in the following words: In the cut and thrust of public discourse,certain things get said inadvertently which cause anguish and pain. I know some of my recent utterances caused hurt to Mr Anna Hazare. I regret the same8230;.