AICC urges PM to work for democracy in Burma

Muana
Mizzima News: 3 November, 2006

For the first time, the All India Christian Council sent an open letter to the Prime Minister of India urging him to review the country’s policy towards Burma and support democratization of the military-ruled country.

The AICC, at the conclusion of a conference held in Hyderabad in south India on October 28, sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, Dr. Man Mohan Singh, urging him to temporarily put on hold all business deals and to work in the capacity of a neighbouring country to promote democracy and human rights in Burma.

The AICC, a group comprising Christian denominations, ministries, missions and organizations, in their open letter said that Burma's political problems are no longer an internal affair and has an impact on India across its borders, especially the northeastern states of India.

"The consequences of such misgovernance that hurts the people of Burma are also affecting the people of this country. Burma's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has perpetuated conditions conducive to the increase in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs including heroin and amphetamine – type stimulants (ATS), and the rampant spread of HIV/AIDS. This has resulted in a scourge in Northeast India and threaten the human security of our nation," the letter stated.

Apart from urging India to support a non-punitive UN Security Council resolution on Burma, the group also urged India to review and delay financial commitments in connection with the Shwe Gas project. Going ahead with the project would provide a financial lifeline to the brutal regime.

Attended by over 300 delegates including church leaders, pastors, youth leaders and activists, the conference also held a special prayer for Burma on the last day.

A Burmese woman activist, who attended the conference, expressed surprise over the amount of support that Burma received during the conference.

Speaking to Mizzima over telephone, Cheery Zahau said, "There were many people working and praying for the restoration of democracy in Burma. A woman and a man from U.K. and Kerala state, India has been praying for Burma for 14 to 15 years. I never expected such support."

The open letter will be submitted to the Prime Minister's office, while copies would be sent to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, U.K. and Dalit Freedom Network, United States of America.

Meanwhile, Burmese activists inside and outside the country are engaging in an ongoing prayer campaign to free the country's political prisoners including Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and for national reconciliation.