Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
New Delhi, June 5, 2003:

India, Burma’s one of the important neighbors and the world’s largest
democracy, has cautiously reacted on the latest development in the
military-rule Burma, but failed to condemn the Burmese regime for the
detention of pro-democracy leader and Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

However, the majority of political parties both in the government and
opposition have condemned the actions of the Burmese junta. They also
urge the Indian government to use its influence to persuade the Burmese
generals to immediately stop the crack down against the National League
for Democracy. Moreover, the civil society at large has also strongly
condemned the regime for its latest repression in Burma.

The followings are excerpts.

“We have been watching very closely with concern on the recent
developments in Myanmar. The Government of India has been consistently
supporting efforts for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar. We welcomed the
release of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi in May last year. And we recognized the
commitment of the Myanmar government for the restoration of democracy
in Myanmar. We support the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail’s
efforts to promote dialogue between Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi and the
Government.”
(Mr. Navtej Sarna, Spokesperson, External Affairs Ministry, Government
of India)

“The Congress Party is concerned about the whereabouts of Aung San Suu
Kyi in Myanmar. Day before yesterday she was injured while campaigning
for the restoration of democracy. She is not only a fighter for
democracy but also a recipient of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award. The Indian
National Congress is concerned about her whereabouts. We urge the
authorities in Myanmar to ensure that no harm is done to her person.
(Mr. Anand Sharma, Spokesperson, Congress Party (Main Opposition Party)

"While the world was hoping for the early restoration of democratic
rule in Myanmar, the military junta has struck another blow against the
democratic rights and civil liberties of the Burmese people. The Samata
Party demands the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other who
are languishing in jails for their commitment for restoration of
democracy. The Party urges the Government of India to use its influence to
persuade the Myanmarese military junta to end military rule and hand over
power to the people of Myanmar."
(Mr. Shiv Kumar, General Secretary and Spokesperson, Samata Party led
by Defence Minister Mr. George Fernandes)

"The Polit Bureau of the CPI (M) expresses serious concern at the
detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy
in Myanmar...This step by the Myanmar government is a setback to the
process of restoring democratic rights, which was initiated with the
release of Ms Suu Kyi from house arrest last year. The CPI (M) urges the
Myanmar government to release Ms. Suu Kyi and other arrested leaders and
begin a dialogue to ensure conditions for democratic political
activities."
(Communist Party of India (Marxist), Central Committee Office)

"The Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of India strongly
condemns the Myanmar government for assaulting and detaining Ms. Aung San
Suu Kyi, leader of the NLD along with her hundreds of supporters
illegally. The CPI urges the Myanmar government to release Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi
and other detained leaders immediately. The party also calls upon the
international community to exert pressure for the release of Ms. Aung
San Suu Kyi and protection of human rights and democratic rights of the
people in Myanmar."
(Central Secretariat, Communist Party of India)

"We are saddened to know that Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's democracy
leader and Nobel Peace Laureate, has been injured in the attack sponsored by
the Burmese military government. Our party calls for her immediate
release and reopening of NLD offices in Myanmar."
(Mr. Janeshwar Mishra, Vice President of Samajwadi Party)

"We are very very concerned with what is happening there in
Myanmar...We hope that as soon as possible she will come out and she will lead the
nation along with South Asia towards the goal of peace and security. We
extend our heartfelt sympathies with the whole (Burmese democracy)
movement...She should be released as soon as possible and peace should
prevail."
(Ms. Mohini Giri, Chairperson of Guild of Service, Women's Initiative
for Peace in South Asia)

"Again, it is a big blow to the movement for democracy. And we have
special regards, affection and respect for Madam Aung San Suu Kyi because
she believes in non-violence...I can see that the people of India are
with her and the people of India are praying for her immediate release."
(Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, former Member of Parliament, and Chairperson of
Association of Peoples of Asia)

"Confinement of the only popular leader comes as a shock...The military
has gone back to its own ways. Once again she has been separated from
the people and friends she has around. This is a tragic situation. I
personally think that the Government of India should put some pressure and
should revise its opinion about the military leaders. In any case, the
pressure of public opinion in India should be built so that the
military doesn't get away with its tortures."
(Mr. Kuldip Nayar, Member of Parliament and Senior Journalist)