"We, the WLC, want the people of India to know the updated information about human rights abuses and military oppression which are still occurring in ethnic areas in Burma. Much of these do not appear in the media, especially after the 'saffron revolution' that occurred in September in Burma", said Cherry Zahau, coordinator of WLC, explaining the purpose of meeting the Indian MPs.

"We also want to expand our networking with political and civil society groups in India. Only after we get support from Indian people, will the Indian government pay heed to the voice of the people and change its policy of support towards the military junta in Burma," she said.

"The people of India are standing with you in the cause of democracy and promotion of human rights in Burma. Wherever there is injustice human beings suffer, it includes Indian citizens as well. Injustice causes economic, social and political problems everywhere. It is a matter of how exactly we will put our hands together", Nirmala Deshpande, a member of Rajya Sabha was quoted as saying by WLC's press release yesterday.

Former Defence Minister of India Goerge Fernandez said, "The UNSC should take serious steps on Burma and the governments around the world should deprive the regime from everything. India does not want to discuss Burma and no one can question the policy on Burma in parliament".

WLC's press release expressed unhappiness over healthy ties between the Indian government and the Burmese military junta and urged India to review its economic engagement with the Burmese regime.

WLC also called on India to discuss Burma issues with its neighbouring countries such as China and Thailand in the interest of long-term economic stability in the whole region, including India's North-East.

Chin women blamed the Burmese regime for its refusal to usher in democracy, mismanagement of state economy and human rights abuses in ethnic areas in Burma. This is forcing the people to flee their own land. It urged the Indian government to adopt a proper policy that will help Burmese refugees in India.

The Campaign for Democracy Movement in Burma (CDMB) based in Mizoram state, northeast India on November said that around 80,000 unrecognized Burmese refugees are taking refuge in Mizoram as a result of the deteriorating social, political and economic situation in Burma. – Khonumthung.