‘‘We have orientated the Arba Minch University students on the current scenario in Ethiopia with regard to extremism and its threat. Having this in mind, government primarily expects students to comply with the law of the land to stamp out increasing nefarious activities of the terrorist,’’ Mr Samson Abate, Advisor for inter-governmental relations, said.

Mr Samson Abate is one of the principle trainers along with Ms Hilifity Aregawi, Advisor for Faith and Religion Affairs Directorate, have been conducting awareness building training across all 31 government universities across Ethiopia.

With AMU, Mr Samson who lonely conducted trainings in all campuses, said, ‘‘We have completed the last leg of the training session, which has been devised by the Ministry of Federal Affairs’ Faith & Trust building wings. It was started last September; the first training was held at Nechsar Campus, followed by Abaya, Chamo and Main Campus in November 2013.

The training modules consisted of accommodation of multi-nationalism, extremism and possible remedies from the student communities. Having apprised them about the reality, we have urged them to be a law-abiding individual thus respecting our Constitution.

However, government is of the view that the terrorism may not have obnoxious impact, but can hamper our progress. Therefore, students were suggested to work with the government to restrict and abort the destructive plans of the terrorists that may damage the secular fabric of our nation.

While seeking support from the university community, government is also cautious about its sole responsibility of ensuring safe social environment for its citizen.

The students across all AMU campus on different dates were urged to know the nature of the Ethiopian diversity, respect it and be cautious to keep its religious plurality intact. We asked them to thwart every sinister attempt of desperadoes to harm the glorious 1400-year history of our nation.

The feedback from the student community was encouraging, Mr Samson said, ‘‘They said, that the training was necessary and important; and expressed their readiness to contribute their share to keep existing environment of peaceful coexistence unharmed.

The Federal Ministry may also plan periodically to create awareness amongst the masses and in all likelihood would orientate teachers in the middle of the next year - 2014.

By Philips Joseph