Mizoram Bishop urges India to act on Myanmar

Mizoram Bishop Stephen Rotluanga expressing sadness at India's silence over the situation in the neighbourhood, condemned the military action by the Junta against the peaceful protests for democracy, and urged India to act on Myanmar.

Praising the purpose of the protest and the oneness of the people of Myanmar led by the monks, the Bishop said: “The spirit and the solidarity of the people is praiseworthy, but the reaction of the government is condemnable.”

“It was a peaceful and non–violent protest by the people when their freedom and dignity is being trampled upon. I think it is a good wake–up call for the military junta,” added the Bishop.

Commenting on India's silence on the chaos in Myanmar, the Bishop said: “It’s sad that being its closest neighbour and the largest democracy, India has remained silent. I was hoping that India would intervene,” quoted Indian Catholic News.

On October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, which was declared as an International World Non–Violence Day, the people of Mizoram under a forum called Mizoram for Democracy held a protest.

“While we did not participate actively, our prayers and goodwill are with the people. We will continue to pray that help comes to Myanmar from different quarters and a dawn of democracy comes,” said the Bishop.

For 40 years, Myanmar has been ruled by a brutal military regime that resists and represses movements for democratic change. Leading opposition leaders such as Nobel–prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Tin, have been arrested and jailed.

The pope and Christian leaders too have appealed for a peaceful solution.