Comments on PDP’s Statement on Myanmar
The PDP is
absolutely right that under the disguise of freedom of journalism the current
Thein Sein regime is again playing cat and mouse game with the people - both
within and outside Burma (Myanmar ). As I
have also noted in my recent speech in the Bangkok Conference the current
constitution, concocted by the military regime with support from racist
supporters, cannot be the guide book to run the country - neither before nor
now in this century. It is an outdated model based on alienation, exclusion, intolerance,
racism and bigotry, a far cry from what the founding fathers like Aung San and
others had envisioned for the new state in 1947.
I also approve of
the PDP's 4-pronged strategy, which includes trying the Myanmar
government in the international criminal court for its decades-long serious
violations of human rights, including the current ethnic cleansing of the
Rohingyas of Arakan state. Without such hard sticks the regime will not be
sobered to alter its failed paths and policies, and continue to find ways to
stick to power at the cost of everyone. The ICC case should also include
non-government actors who through writings and speeches have either
promoted marginalization of persecuted minorities or been a party to regime's
crimes against humanity. [Without punishing the Julius Streichers of Burma , it would be futile to weed out racism
from Burma .]
It is high time
for the member states of the UN, esp. UNSC, to say enough is enough and declare
the Myanmar regime non-grata in the international arena and proceed with their
recommendation for trying the regime in the ICC unless it truly reforms
starting with the constitution, thus allowing inclusion of all the minorities
like the Rohingyas of Burma, within a prescribed time of say six months,
maximum.
As outside
observers who care about real change, on our part we should insist that our
respective governments know that they cannot continue feeding carrot to an
unruly ass that refuses to do its part; the Myanmar regime needs sticks to tame
it and ensure its compliance. No government should encourage any business with
the criminal regime without tangible changes affecting people, failing which
they must bear the responsibility of being a party to crimes against humanity.
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