The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Turmoil in Myanmar

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Monday, Oct 01, 2007
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Turmoil in Myanmar

This refers to the editorial “Tackling Myanmar’s junta” (Sept. 28). It is unfortunate that the repressive junta is getting away yet again with its actions, as the world leaders remain divided on the ways to deal with the current regime. It would be unfortunate if this wave of protests by the people of Myanmar is rendered futile due to the indifference of the international community.

India should urge the military leaders in Yangon to expedite the process of dialogue and release Noble laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and to resist from attacking the peaceful protesters. It must support the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy.

Atur Kiri Ingti,
New Delhi

* * *

India has remained conspicuously silent. Aside from issuing bland statements about the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, it has not expressed outrage over the junta’s actions. Nor has it considered seriously how it can bring influence on Myanmar to help the situation. In its own long-term interest, India should do everything in its power to rein in the junta and encourage the regime to open discussions with the NLD.

Akshay Kaul,
London

* * *

Neighbours have long ignored the ruthless suppression of democratic forces in Myanmar, treating it as an internal matter. I hope the situation will not escalate to become the Killing Fields as in Cambodia, where more than a million people were massacred by the Pol Pot regime even as its neighbours watched until Vietnam intervened to end the bloodshed. China, the leading trading partner of Myanmar, needs to do more than just calling for restraint. One only wishes that China and Russia back the U.N. Security Council in condemning Myanmar.

Vembar K. Ranganathan,
New York

* * *

The message from the repressed people of Myanmar is loud and clear: they want democracy and access to basic human rights. It is incumbent upon India, the world’s largest democracy, to help its neighbour usher in democracy. It must denounce the ruling military junta and stop dealing with it. If New Delhi wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, remaining a silent spectator to dictatorship is not an option.

Naman Dayal,
Atlanta, Georgia

* * *

That the largest democracy continues to engage with the military regime is ironical. Whatever mileage India might have got in the past (even the regime’s help in controlling anti-India activities in Myanmar), it should review its policy of constructive engagement initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao.

M. Vishnu Vardhan,
Mumbai

* * *

India should be seen on the right side of democratic forces and not on the side of those who have usurped power.

We have to forget about our immediate gains and help our neighbours free themselves from military bondage.

Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (retd.),
Pune

* * *

India should not allow itself to be provoked into donning the big brother role in Myanmar. With the rest of the world, it should extend only moral support and let the people wage their battle for democracy and human rights.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),
Palakkad

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