Pro-democracy factions pray for India's support

Aizawl, Oct 19 (UNI) The 'Mizoram for Democracy in Burma'(MDB) has once again called for Indian support for restoration of democracy in Burma(Myanmar).

''Since the military junta's atrocities against its own people and its deep involvement in drug smuggling had left a deep impact on not only the country but also its neighbouring states, restoration of normalcy in Burma is an urgent issue,'' a MDB statement said today.

''The situation in Burma is not a mere internal political issue, but a gross violation of human rights, to which Mizoram is a witness as well as a victim,'' it added.

''Owing to the 45-year tyranny, large number of Burmese nationals had to flee to neighbouring states, including Mizoram, for their survival. These refugees have created social problems to the states and countries where they had fled. Since, the Indian government has not made any arrangement for these Burmese refugees, Mizoram has borne all the problems by itself,'' MDB claimed.

''The worst-sufferers of the Burma military junta's oppression were Christians and the Mizo ethnic tribes. Not only were the Christians forced to convert into Buddhism, but many Christian churches of Mizo ethnic tribes had also been demolished by the Burmese generals through their so-called 'social welfare training,'' MDB said.

The statement went on to lambast Indian government by saying, ''If India keeps supporting the military junta, it should be regarded as anti-democratic with no regards to it being called the largest democracy in the world.'' MDB further criticised India by saying, ''Its much-hyped 'Look East Policy' is benefitting only mainland India, not the Northeast states.

''So long as the people of Burma are oppressed, the Look East Policy will never be of any use to the people of the Northeast.

Until and unless democracy is restored in Burma, the policy will remain only a policy of trade between Burmese military junta and a powerful few in India. As of now, the policy is doing nothing but strengthening the Burmese generals and depriving the rights of the Northeast people,'' it stated.

UNI