Indian activists and Burmese exiles against the condemnation of Aung San Suu Kyi
New Delhi (AsiaNews) - The release of Aung San Suu Kyi, decisive action to bring democracy to Myanmar, a military embargo against the military regime in power. These are the demands put forward by Burmese activists in exile in India, who today organized a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
Yesterday, the Yangon court convicted Aung San Suu Kyi, sentencing her to “three years hard labour”. The measure was then commuted- on the orders of Than Shwe, leader of the military dictatorship in power in Myanmar – to 18 months of house arrest.
The ruling has sparked an outpouring of condemnation in the international community, albeit with some significant exceptions. ASEAN, an association that brings together the countries of South-East Asia (including Burma) has expressed "deep disappointment" at the verdict, the U.S. president Barack Obama has called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of the opposition leader . The United Nations has launched an appeal for the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, but it is precisely within the UN Security Council that there are divisions. China and Russia in the past have opposed sanctions against the military junta, stressing that it is an internal "domestic issues" for Myanmar.
Htun Htun Surte, co-founder and coordinator of the Burma Center Delhi, confirmed to AsiaNews that "the junta is supported by powerful nations such as China and Russia, and other small countries. When the question of the violation of human rights was raised during international meetings, many nations called it 'an internal issue' in Myanmar”. Judging the sentence against the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) "outrageous", he adds that "yesterday 50 people were arrested in Yangon and other parts of the country. The junta continues to suppress dissident voices using barbaric and brutal methods".
Tint Swe, a member of the Council of Ministers of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), defines verdict "an example of extreme prejudice". "Through her lawyer, [Aung San Suu Kyi] has informed us to expect the best and prepare for the worst, the famous phrase that her father [Aung San] uttered as he left for London to negotiate independence in 1947”. He admits he "fears that the people’s hearts will break. Young people are desperate and may sacrifice themselves. Some of them may be added to the list of martyrs of the movement for democracy. "
Tint Swe does not expect "large-scale protests," that "were not even convened by NLD. The exiled Burmese adds: "The regime will prepare some tactical moves such as the release of low profile criminals and prisoners. An interim government is likely to be appointed within a couple of months. One way to deceive many neighbouring countries and nations of the Third World”.
Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (Gcic) has also expressed support of the cause of Aung San Suu Kyi, underlining that "India, as the largest democratic nation in the world, must support a strong democracy in Myanmar”.
"India – adds the Christian activist - is in a position to use its geographic position and economic weight to push decisively for the liberation of Aung San Suu Kyi”. He hopes that eventually the "Lady" will be able to celebrate her next birthday - which falls on June 19 – as a free citizen, “it is the duty of the international community and the Indian Government to ensure that happens”.
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17/03/2021 13:08
15/12/2021 12:59
