India PM urged to review ties with Burmese junta
October 22, 2007 - The Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma (MCDB) in a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Manmohan Singh, urged him to review the country's close ties with the Burmese military regime even as the international community imposes sanctions on Burma.
Mizo and Burmese activists held a protest against Burmese regime under the title "Mizoram for Democracy in Burma" in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state in northeast India on October 2.
The MCDB in a press conference on October 20 said India as the world's largest democracy has failed to mount pressure on the Burmese regime to implement quick democratic reforms in Burma.
The statement issued also stressed the urgent need for democratic change in Burma given that the regime continues to commit human rights abuses and engages in drug trafficking making it a regional threat.
The MCDB vowed to continue the campaign for change in Burma.
Mizo activists asked India to fully cooperate with the UN special envoy to Burma Mr. Gambari during his tour of the region for national reconciliation and political change in Burma.
The MCDB in its memorandum to the Indian PM called for the immediate release of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees.
It also asked the junta to stop killing and arresting innocent people and initiate a dialogue with ethnic groups and the opposition.
MCDB is a non-government organization comprising Mizo civil society, the media and student leaders. – Khonumthung.
