September 27th, 2007
 
India, the world's largest democratic country, must immediately review its current foreign policies on Burma, taking into account on ongoing nation-wide protests by the 88 generation students, peoples from all kind of walks and Buddhist monks in the country fearlessly defying the Burmese military government since August 19, 2007. The present protests in Burma have clearly elucidated that Burmese military government does not have legitimacy over the people of the country.   Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been unlawfully kept at the most notorious Insein Jail in Rangoon.

The current protests began after the junta imposed a huge increase in the price of fuel on 15 August 2007 without giving notice or justification, which resulted on making days harder for the people of Burma on top of years of tyranny and persecution by the barbaric junta. The Buddhist monks have declared a "boycott" by refusing to accept donations and cooperation from military officers; accordingly it can be seen as an extremely strong signal to the regime. The military regime had already arrested more than 200 activists. Night curfew has been declared since 25 September 2007 in two cities.

 

The entire international community except India is pressuring the Burma junta. On 21-9-07, the UN Security Council had a close-door emergency meeting on Burma paying attention to remarkable developments in Burma.

 

Moreover, India not only is hushed on what is happening in its next-door neighbor, but unpredictably India sent its petroleum minister Mr. Murli Doera to protest hit Burma on 23 September 2007, with the aim of making stronger relationship with the junta by making investments on Burma's oil and gas sector. The minister Doera and Burmese despotic regime signed for 3 Deep Water exploration Blocks, instead of supporting people's democracy movement.
 
We are sincerely thankful to the organizations and individuals from India who offered solidarity, at the same time, we who are taking asylums in India (for nearly two decades) are feeling shame because our host country India has no longer acknowledges democracy aspiration and pro-democracy struggle of Burma even at this serious time. India's long-term interest will be in jeopardy if it continues supporting the military junta.

We know the people of India support Nobel Peace Laureate, Jawahalal Nehru International Understanding Award and Netaji Subhash Chandra award winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and our movement. But when it comes to foreign policy it is entirely poles apart. The considerable unhappiness over the Indian cooperation with the Junta would turn into anger. The time has come to make it clear to India for mutual long term interest of both India and Burma; the circumstances prefer India to take a stand on the humanity, instead on military government.

Indian must raise the serious questions to the Parliament. The question of Burma crisis is the matter of serious concern to India Parliament as well as to its people. Therefore we strongly urge the government of India and all political parties:

• To immediately review its currently policy on Burma
• To switch side from military junta to the people of Burma right now
• To vigorously support the peoples' movement inside Burma
• To cease further investment in the gas and all projects until there is a democratically elected government in Burma

                                     

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