Mizo committee urges PM to review ties with Burmese junta

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) The Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma (MCDB) has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to review the country's close ties with the Burmese military regime even as the international community imposes sanctions on Burma.

The MCDB is of the view that India, as the world's largest democracy, has failed to mount pressure on the Burmese regime to implement quick democratic reforms in Burma.

In a statement issued today, the MCDB also stressed the urgent need for democratic change in Burma given that the regime continues to commit human rights abuses and engages in drug trafficking making it a regional threat.

The committee vowed to continue the campaign for change in Burma.

The Mizo activists have asked India to fully cooperate with the UN special envoy to Burma, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, during his tour to the region for national reconciliation and political change in Burma.

The MCDB, in its memorandum to Dr Singh, called for the immediate release of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees.

It also asked the junta to stop killing and arresting innocent people and initiate a dialogue with ethnic groups and the opposition. The MCDB is a non-government organisation comprising Mizo civil society, the media and student leaders.

UNI