The event is organized by Mizzima News to commemorate the 15th Anniversary
of Peoples' Uprising (8.8.88) in Burma. It also coincides the fifth anniversary of the foundation of Mizzima News.

The peoples of Burma from all walks of life: students, professionals, civil servants, monks and even soldiers took to the streets on 8 August 1988 (8.8.88) in nationwide demonstrations demanding for the freedom, democracy,
political and economic changes in the country. However, the military responded the people’s protests with guns, killing many hundreds of peaceful demonstrators - many of them students and youth.

It has been 15 years since then. However, the situation in Burma has not changed. The military junta continues to rule the country with brutality. It
refuses to hand over power to the National League for Democracy (led by
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi) voted by the people in May 1990 elections. The
Burmese people continue to face economic hardships and their aspirations for
democracy are not yet fulfilled.

Our beloved leader, Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has been in
illegal detention once again since 30 May this year. The regime continues to
ignore the demand of Burmese peoples and international community for her
immediate release. It is not willing even to disclose her place of detention.

International pressure on the Burmese junta is increasing as the United States and European Union broaden the sanctions against the junta. The United States has approved the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act 2003, which bans the import of any article produced in Burma.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Burma is a member, has voiced its demand for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi. The Malaysian Prime Minister, who has been a strong support of the Burmese regime, has said Burma could face expulsion from ASEAN if its government continues to ignore calls to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

We believe that India should play an active role in the international efforts for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and for the initiation of democratic
changes in Burma. India's response should be unequivocal: while India wants
to have a good relationship with the government of Myanmar, it would facilitate the restoration democracy, peace and national reconciliation in its neighbouring country with all means at its disposal.

To highlight the current situation in Burma and to reflect India’s responses to the Burmese struggle for democracy and freedom, Mizzima News is organizing “15 Years Journey for Freedom & Democracy Continues” at the MP Club, South Avenue, New Delhi on Saturday 9 August 2003 between 4pm and 6pm.

Besides a photo and art exhibition on Burma by exiled Burmese artist Sitt
Aye, panel discussion on "India's Role in the Burmese Struggle for Democracy" is also being organized to mark the event.

Date: 9 August 2003 (Saturday)- From 4 to 6 p.m.

Venue: MP Club, South Avenue, New Delhi-110011
(Between Teen Murti House and Rashtrapati Bhavan)

Programme

· Songs of Burma by Burmese youth
· Inauguration of exhibition on the 8.8.88 People's Uprising
· Video documentary show on Burma
· Panel Discussion:

“India's Role in the Burmese Struggle for Democracy”
(Panelists include Indian political leaders and Burmese activists)