Aung San Suu Kyi, opposition leader of Myanmar celebrated her 66th birthday two days before which was a low key affair. While North Africa and West Asia find themselves in struggle for democracy Aung San Suu Kyi the democratic icon of Myanmar finds herself in a piquant situation with virtually no nation acting as catalysts for revolting against a cruel, arrogant army supported civilian regime under the leadership of Thein Sein, the successor of Than Shwe, the power behind the throne who ruled Myanmar for decades. Even UN remains a mute spectator to the goings on in that country. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon should have interfered earlier even now it is not too late to prevail upon Thein Sein regime to pave way for a democratic regime at the earliest. The earlier the better.
It is reported that Thein Sein is more wicked than his predecessor Than Shwe and by unleashing repressive measures and killing, maiming and incarcerating thousands - typical of a malevolent dictator - he finds himself entrenched in the saddle.
In her 66 years of earthly existence, Aung San Suu Kyi could celebrate her birthday only 15 times outside the prison. Rest period she languished in jail often undergoing solitary confinement and house arrest.
In the 1990 election National League for Democracy led by this hallowed lady won a landslide majority but the army refused to step down and closed the doors for the fresh air of democracy to rush in. Furthermore in the ensuing protest the army then under Gen Than Shwe unleashed a reign of terror and killed and injured hundreds, many disappeared from the scene without a trace and put Aung San Suu Kyi in prison. It was a virtual suppression of a protest movement and it is shocking that even today many people thirsting for democracy are severely dealt with, killed, wounded, maimed and imprisoned. Going by the trend the Iron Lady could be put under arrest any moment any time. Her steely resolve and courage remains intact - still in a fighting mood, something heartening to the citizens across the world.
It is deplorable that eyeing the abundant mineral wealth of Myanmar its neighbouring countries like India and China keep cordial relations with the rulers of that country. Not even a finger is being raised against the despotic rule by these countries, even by so-called largest democratic country like India. As far as China is concerned even the rulers of that country know not whether democracy or dictatorship prevails there. To put it simply, self-interest has the top priority and to achieve one's goals extending an olive branch to a ruthless nation and its rulers India and China keep no qualms at all. The seasoned diplomats who cry hoarse against dictatorship keep silence citing the common refrain - 'It is that country's internal matter. We have nothing to do with that'.
Internal or external, integral humanism should have the upper hand, which none cares.
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