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Pakistan coup and Burma



Reply-To: "BLC" <blcindia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Pakistan Coup and Burma



 The Prime Minister of India has condemned the Military coup in Pakistan and
expressed his concern for democracy. It was reported that he had contributed
much to the Common- wealth Declaration which asked for end of Military rule
and for restoration of democracy in Pakistan. India's commitment to
democracy was loud and clear. This commitment is true in respect of India's
neighbourhood. It is time that India once again declares her support to the
cause of democracy in Burma.

 The issue in Burma is simple. Burma has gone through a long period of
Military rule. Then in 1990, a General election was held under the Army
rule. But army rulers are refusing to transfer power to the elected
representatives of the people. The issue therefore is simple namely
accelerate the political process. The world community has given support to
this issue. In particular United State of America, the European Union even
some countries of ASEAN have supported the cause of peaceful transition of
power in Burma. In other words India cannot make an excuse that it is an "
internal affair" of Burma. If India thinks that her economic or national
interests demand that she should be aloof, that would be wrong. India cannot
do any trade with Burma whose economy is now dominated by drug  warlords. No
investor also will stake investment in a country ridden with instability,
civil and ethnic strife. The only investment that India should now make in
Burma is investment in winning the hearts of the people. And that is by
giving moral support to the people suppressed and oppressed. Ruling elite's
reaction in Burma or the China factor should not act as deterrents  nor
should they be determints of India's neighbourhood policy. Democracy in the
neighbourhood countries is the best guarantee of India's national interest.
Let India speak out regarding her relationship with Burma in the context of
her new emerging foreign policy.






B.K SEN