Action on October 2, 2007On October 2nd 2007, the anniversary of the birthday of Mahatama Gandhi, we gathered in front of the Indian Consulate to call on India to stop investments in Burma…and to stop them now. Around one hundred of us, from the Lanna Action for Burma, shouted our demands while the Consular agreed to meet two representatives. Neighbours came out to see what was going on as the haunting voices of women singing for democracy in Burma, floated along the lanes. The Consular was unable to give any official reply to our demands, but informed us to send the press release directly to the Ambassador in Bangkok.Please read our petition letter below:อ่านภาษาไทยျမန္မာဘာသာ
Press Release 2 October 2007Consulate of India, Chiang Mai, Thailand “It is tragic that the present government of India is investing in a military dictatorship that has faced world-wide condemnation for its human rights violations.”
On 2 October, the birthday of Mahatama Gandi who founded the principle of “Ahimsa” (non-violence), Lanna Action for Burma (LAB) demands the government of India to immediately stop oil and gas investment in Burma.
We are outraged at the signing of oil and gas investment deals that took place during the Burmese protests where monks and other citizens courageously challenged the military regime. The protests were fuelld by years of oppression and ignited by a doubling of fuel prices. On September 24-26 the Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Murli Deora, signed deals with Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) for deep-water gas exploration in Arakan State. Indian investment in gas will total US $150 million, including Export and Import Bank of India credit line of US $20 million.
Given Indian long-standing traditions of democracy and non-violence, it is tragic that the present government of India is investing in a military dictatorship that has faced world-wide condemnation for its human rights violations. The revenue from the oil and gas investments will further support the military regime in its brutal suppression of the hopes and aspirations of the people of Burma.
We urge the government of India to immediately stop all investments in Burma and support for the military junta. We demand the government of India to withdraw all investment in Burma. On the birthday of Mahatama Gandi, the father of the non-violence movement and India’s solid democratic foundation, we call on the Government of India to support the people of Burma to achieve democracy and freedom from military rule.
Lanna Action for Burma (LAB)
Sign the petition (Tell the Prime Minister of India to stop supporting the violence in Burma) to support of the people of Burma achieve democracy and freedom from military rule!
