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Release Suu Kyi, begin talks

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's frank interaction with his Myanmar counterpart on the need to release the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and move towards "national reconciliation" may be the first categorical statement by an Indian Head of Government on this major issue. Of course, behind the scenes, in personal, bilateral discussions, leaders of several countries have tried to persuade the military leadership ruling Myanmar to not only free Ms. Suu Kyi, but also begin the long journey towards restoration of democracy. All that has been in vain. The military leadership has hardly progressed in its so-called national dialogue for reconciliation. The attempts to get a national convention to draft a new constitution for the country by bringing the numerous tribes and groups together appear to have made no headway, and the general impression is that the junta is not very keen on completing the exercise early and putting a democratic framework in place. The military's primary objective seems to be to ensure for itself a statutory role in the socio-political system and a permanent place in government. Earlier, the military rulers wanted to adopt the Indonesian model in which the Armed Forces have a significant presence in Parliament and consequently in governance. Established by President Suharto, it survived for three decades. When he was dethroned, the system collapsed; that the incumbent President is a former Army General is a different matter.

After his meeting with Mr. Soe Win in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the East Asian summit, Mr. Manmohan Singh came out loud and clear: "We favoured national reconciliation and also the movement towards democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and allowing political activities to flourish." Though the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has not been so vocal in enunciating its stand, its Foreign Ministers are reported to have decided to send a team to Yangon to assess the situation and discuss the emerging crisis with the military rulers. There is no guarantee that the military junta will respond to such friendly counsel from neighbours. Myanmar has already given up its chair of the ASEAN standing committee to avoid further embarrassment to the regional grouping. Till now, there has been no commitment by the military leadership to work for national reconciliation or to restore democracy. The least the military rulers can do now is to release Ms. Suu Kyi, involve her and the National League for Democracy in drafting the new constitution and set a time frame for holding democratic elections. Given her commitment to peace, democracy and non-violence, they can be rest assured that she will cooperate fully with them in any genuine effort to put Myanmar back on the road to democracy and development. The earlier the generals make these moves the better, for Myanmar's people have suffered for too long at their hands.

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