Activists Reject Burma Regime

By Burma Centre Delhi and Zo Indigenous Forum • May 6, 2011

Burma Centre Delhi in Collaboration with Chin Human Rights Organizations, Aizawl and Grassroot Development Network, Mizoram organized a Consultation on “Regime change in Burma: Post 2010 Elections and its Consequences” at I & PR Conference Hall, Aizawl. Hosted by Zo Indigenous Forum, the meeting was attended by various civil society groups, journalists and activists of North East India.

The special guest of the consultation was Mr. Vanlalngaia, Chairman of Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma and he expressed that regime change in Burma does not seem to bring about change in the condition of democratic loving people of Burma. The only change we have seen is military uniform into civil dresses. Therefore democratic loving people around the world should work persistently for the full restoration of true democracy in Burma

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tint Swe, a Burmese former MP, said that the recently concluded 2010 election in Burma has not brought any changes to the peoples of Burma and the country is still being ruled by the same group of military under the camouflage of a democratic regime. He also urged the government of India and peoples of Northeast India to continue supporting the Burmese peoples’ struggle for real democracy in Burma.

Dr. Alana Golmei, Advocacy Coordinator of Burma Centre Delhi also urged the people of India especially Northeast people to have closer people to people contact and work together for peace and human rights in the region and Burma. She further said that there is no change in Burma after the technically new and elected government as the human rights situation in Burma remains dire.

Mr. Salai Za Uk Ling, Program Director of Chin Human Rights Organization talked about the Kaladan Multi Modal Project and reminded that the implementation of developmental projects in Burma in the past have been associated with human rights abuses. He said that the Kaladan Project should be implemented in a way that respects human rights, take into account potential negative environmental and social impacts and ensure that the benefits go to the least advantaged communities.

The Consultation was organized to bring together the democracy and human rights advocates and activists, civil society organizations and journalists among the Northeast India and Burmese activists to share experiences and exchange perspectives and knowledge on issues like border security, refugees, migrants and trafficking especially in the Northeast India including political and strategic complications on Indo-Burma relations.

The consultation meeting is followed by Press Conference.

Recommendation on Common Paper

Support Global Arms Embargo against Burma

Engage with both Burma Govt. and Aung San Suu Kyi as well as ethnic groups

The GOI should allow UNHCR to establish its office in Mizoram or Northeast India

Proper impacts assessments should be conducted before implementation of developmental projects in the region in line with Free, Prior and Informed Consent-FPIC (e.g. Kaladan Multi Modal Project)

Ensure that any current and future Indian investments in Burma is both fair and responsible, and that there is full local participation in any Indian-supported development projects in Burma

To continue its support to the Burmese peoples’ struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma

Principle of non-refoulment should be applied

Support United Nations call for Commission of Inquiry against Crime Against Humanity in Burma

Reconciliation Commission should be formed

For more information please contact:

Alana Golmei (09968291645),
Burma Centre Delhi

Lalremruata (8575186174/09862373371)
Zo Indigenous Forum

Tags: 2010 Elections, Burma Centre Delhi, India, Zo Indigenous Forum

This post is in: 2010 Elections, Press Release

Activists Reject Burma Regime

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