Momentous

The release of Myanmar's celebrated pro-democracy icon and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest has been greeted with thunderous applause across the world. Ms Suu Kyi has been the face of the faceless in a prolonged non-violent movement for democracy in Myanmar. The ruling military junta has systematically scuttled her moves to restore democracy, subjecting her to 15 years of arrest since 1989. Will the junta at least now allow Ms Suu Kyi the freedom to rally forces to restore democracy in the country?

B.H. Shanmukhappa,Davanagere

It was great to see the bright face of Ms Suu Kyi after her release. She will be forever remembered for her pro-democracy struggle. Her name will find a mention with the names of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in history books. Long live the spirit of democracy.

N. Jayaraj,Chennai

The release of the pro-democracy leader is the end of injustice in Myanmar. Ms Suu Kyi will definitely remain a rallying point for the political forces but what is important is the change she can bring forth in the country.

V.P. Sreenivasan,

Payyanur

The Guardian 's report of Ms Suu Kyi's struggles for 15 years under house arrest for the restoration of democracy (“Aung San Suu Kyi's life in captivity,” Nov. 13) was amazing. Her long detention is comparable to that of Nelson Mandela, another icon who withstood long captivity and led the struggle against apartheid. The international community should support Ms Suu Kyi and ensure that she achieves her goal in Myanmar.

N.C. Sreedharan,Kannur

Thanks to The Hindu for publishing the soul-stirring article. Nations must remember that democracy is a precious child which must be nurtured carefully. Ms Suu Kyi is a determined woman and we hope she will lead Myanmar to an era of democracy and development.

Thomas Edmunds,Chennai

Ms Suu Kyi is one of the most influential and prominent leaders of the world who has chosen the path of non-violence to achieve her aim. It is cruel and inhuman of the Myanmarese junta to have subjected her to such a plight. Let us hope the world will soon hear the voice of the woman who stood up to a military government using the weapon of non-violence.

P. Gowtham Pruthvi,Chittoor