Burmese to demonstrate against U Thein Sein

by Nava Thakuria from Guwahati
October 14, 2011

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1886/burmese-to-demonstrate-against-u-thein-sein

As Burma's President U Thein Sein has arrived in India for a goodwill visit on October 12, the exile Burmese activists have readied demonstrations to show their anger against the regime in Nay Pyi Taw. The Burmese Democratic Forces in India has decided to organise a rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 13 against Thein Sein's visit.

"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. However, the new form of civilian government in Burma led by President Thein Sein has not yet established a genuine democratic system to achieve a national reconciliation that would bring about peace and tranquility in the country," said Mr Kim, a Burmese activist based in the Indian capital city.

Burma is one of India's vital strategic partners and close neighbour which shares 1,643 km boundary with four states of India's north-eastern region. India's policy is guided by its national interest and Burma occupies geo-strategic significance.

Mr Kim also added that the largest democracy in the globe should 'encourage President Thein Sein and his new government to demonstrate its magnanimity and positive attitude and affirm its commitment to democratic practices by engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the people of Burma including ethnic nationalities to bring an end to decades of war and suffering in Burma'.

Meanwhile, Burma Centre Delhi in a memorandum to the Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh on October 12 has also urged New Delhi to pursue for 'releasing all political prisoners in Burma 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'.

Dr. Alana Golmei, Coordinator of Burma Centre Delhi insists that they welcomes the goodwill visit of U Thein Sein from 12 to 15 October and 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. Dr. Tint Swe, Member of Parliament, NLD and Chairman of Burma Centre Delhi observed that there are some good news from Burma as the authority has released many political prisoners and assured to do so in the coming days, but it might be too early to expect that the present regime of Burma has sincere intention as the regime has not done enough for the people of Burma.

"As we welcome the new form of civilian government in Burma (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," stated in the memorandum, which was received by PMO on October 12.

The memorandum also expressed concern at the 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, it added.

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