Calls on the Prime Minister of India to push President Thein Sein to reveal its commitments for democracy
- Burma Centre Delhi -

New Delhi: Oct 12:

Today, Burma Centre Delhi submitted a memorandum to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India during a three-day visit of Burma’s President, U Thein Sein to India. The Centre welcomed this visit considering that the two countries have a long history of friendship and deep cultural ties, which are greatly cherished by both India and Burma.

In the interest of maintaining these ties it is also incumbent upon India as the world’s largest democracy, to help promote democracy, human rights, peace and stability in Burma stated in the memorandum.

Dr. Alana Golmei, Coordinator of the Centre said, “I’m glad that Comedian Zarganar was released from Myitkyina Prison this morning but Government of Burma must release all the political prisoners who are serving decades-long sentences. A nationwide ceasefire must be declared if the Government of Burma sincerely wants to bring genuine change in the country”.

“I believe this is the right time for Government of India to encourage and influence President U Thein Sein to reveal its commitments and genuine democratic practices”, she added.

In the memorandum, the Centre urged the Government of India to encourage President Thein Sein to demonstrate its magnanimity and positive attitude and affirm its commitments for democracy by releasing all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, declaring nation-wide ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and armed ethnic groups and resolving political conflict through dialogue and create conditions that would enable individuals living as refugees in various countries abroad to return to Burma with dignity.

Dr. Tint Swe, Member of Parliament, NLD and Chairman of Burma Centre Delhi observed that there are some developments but it might be too early to expect that the present ruling Government in Burma has sincere intention as the regime has not done enough for the people of Burma.

The visit comes at a time when Burma is going through a crucial phase since the last elections in November 2010 and the subsequent formation of new government. During this visit, it is expected that the two governments will focus on security and trade relations besides many other issues.



MEMORANDUM
To
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Hon'ble Prime Minister
Government of India

Date: 12th October, 2011

Respected Sir,

Burma Centre Delhi warmly welcomes the goodwill visit of Myanmar’s President U Thein Sein to India from 12 to 15 October. We feel this visit is important in the context of strengthening ties between the two countries where both have a long history of friendship and deep cultural ties, which are greatly cherished by India and Burma.

We are aware that Myanmar is one of India's vital strategic partner and close neighbour which shares 1,643 km boundary with four states of India’s Northeastern region. We appreciate the present relations of the two governments which have reached to an utmost level since a Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1951. We are also proud of our leader's effort to promote and restore peace, harmony, fraternity and stability in the region.

In the interest of maintaining these ties it is incumbent upon us as the citizens of the world’s largest democracy, to help promote democracy, human rights, peace and stability in Burma.

As we welcome the new form of civilian government in Myanmar, we desire to see Myanmar establishing a genuine democratic system. We further look forward to a national reconciliation that would bring about peace and tranquillity in the country.

Despite these steps towards forming a new government in Myanmar, there are more than 2,000 political prisoners still languishing in Burma’s jails, some serving decades-long sentences. We are also deeply concerned by reports of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country since the last elections in November 2010. The Myanmar Army continue their offensive attack against ethnic civilians at a time when the regime in Myanmar is talking about peace and national reconciliation, the government break ceasefire agreements in Karen, Kachin and Shan State, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

We, as a citizen of India sincerely respect the principles of Gandhi and Nehru and believe that restoration of peace, human rights and justice must be our main concern.

Therefore, we urge the Government of India to encourage President Thein Sein to demonstrate its magnanimity and positive attitude and affirm its commitment to democratic practices by

* releasing all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally
* declaring nation-wide ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and armed ethnic groups
* resolving political conflict through dialogue and create conditions that would enable individuals living as refugees in various countries abroad to return to Burma with dignity.

It is our sincere concern to support the Burmese people in their struggle for restoration of peace, human rights and democracy in Burma.

Sincerely,
Dr. Alana Golmei
Burma Centre Delhi
WZ 110-A, 1st Floor, Bodella,
Vikaspuri, New Delhi – 110018
Tele: +91-11-45660619
Email: [email protected]
www.burmacentredelhi.org

Copy to:
1. Smt Sonia Gandhi
Congress President and Chairperson UPA

2. Shri S.M. Krishna
Minister of External Affairs
Government of India