India urged to press for Burma democracy as it hosts junta leader

A Christian advocacy group has appealed to the Indian government to press for democracy in Burma as the ruler of the country General Than Shwe arrives on a five-day visit this Sunday.

Joining other Burmese and Indian activists, the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) asked the Indian government to "grasp this opportunity" and demand the "restoration of peace, human rights and democracy in Burma."

Than Shwe is expected to meet President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit which is scheduled for July 25 to 29.

GCIC said it was "deeply disturbed by the official visit of Than Shwe as he does not represent the 50 million peoples of Burma, but instead represents only the military regime that has been culpable in mass atrocities and many systematic international crimes."

Instead of engaging in the current short-sighted relationship with Burma's military regime, GCIC said India must focus on long-term mutual interests by encouraging real democratization, peace and stability.

In the process of genuine democratization, Burma must unconditionally release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and conduct inclusive, free and fair elections under UN and international supervision, the Bangalore-based group said.

Gross human rights violations, including forced displacement, forced labor, rape and attacks by soldiers on civilians have been widespread in Burma, which has been under military rule since 1962.

Burma's ruling junta meanwhile is preparing to hold national elections this year, the first to be held in 20 years.

However, the upcoming elections cannot be "free, fair or inclusive" as long as more than 2100 political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi are kept behind bars, says Burma Centre Delhi, a non-partisan organisation with Burmese and Indian activists.

It has urged Burma to "inclusively review the 2008 Constitution and 2010 Election Laws in accordance with democratic principles and conduct free and fair elections."