Long night of terror

[mizzima@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Long night of terror

The Hindustan Times (New Delhi)
September 6, 2000

PERHAPS NO autocratic regime in the world today is more brutal than the
military Government in Myanmar. In 1986, the 'People Power' movement
toppled the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines. In 1998, a
vigorous student movement in Indonesia led to the collapse of another
tyrant of South-East Asia. African and Latin American countries have
vied with each other in recent years in shedding autocracies and
embracing democracy. However, Myanmar's military regime has defied the
global trend and continues to maintain itself ruthlessly in power. Only
Aung San Suu Kyi has kept the flame of freedom burning. The recent
crackdown on the leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and
the reported house arrest of Ms Suu Kyi have evoked sharp reaction from
the West.

Neither economic sanctions nor a policy of constructive engagement
pursued by Myanmar's ASEAN neighbours has had an impact on the junta.
With the might of the armed forces ranged against her, the odds are
stacked against the Burmese Opposition leader. Her political
organisation has been worn down by years of repression. However, she has
the force of her moral authority, which no other modern leader except
Nelson Mandela enjoys. The only prisoner of conscience in today's world,
Ms Suu Kyi is a symbol of courage against tyranny. She has shown
remarkable resilience despite long years of repression, the death of her
husband and separation from her children. The military regime knows only
too well how popular the pro-democracy leader is.

The junta's objective has been to weaken Ms Suu Kyi and to erode her
support base. Unfortunately, the regime's pariah status too is fading
and it is all set to join the region's economic grouping. The only way
to deal with Myanmar is for the regional and Western powers to insist on
the restoration of democracy. India can play a leading role in this
regard. Only then will Myanmar's long night of repression end.