WINDS OF CHANGE IN MYANMAR

Going by the turn of events atlast winds of change are visible in Myanmar with Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung Saan Syu Ki finally freed from two decades of house arrest by the military regime there. The new civilian govt under Thein Sein supported by the erstwhile General Than Shwe deciding to free her from house arrest has its own reasons.
First and foremost is incessant international pressure on Myanmar govt to free the democratic icon from prolonged house arrest.
Secondly, the pressure exerted by the Myanmarese majority who since decades leave been on a warpath demanding restoration of democracy and in the ensuing rebellion thousands have been incarcerated as many suppressed and killed still the undying spirit of the masses at large fighting for a new dawn of democracy had its salutory effects.
While Mrs Syuu Ki was freed by the military she was warned by the govt not to undertake journey into the interiors of the country to meet the people which she heeded not and undertook her journey and mingled with thousands.
Finally the govt gave into her decisions.
She sought appointment with the new regime recently and they heeded her requests and both Thein Sein govt and she discussed various issues of concern to the country in a cordial atmosphere and the bonhomie continues at present.
The mellowing of the govt has some reasons and the cardinal one is its aspiration to chair the ASEAN when its turn comes around. Association of South East Asian Nations could exert pressure on the Myanmarese regime to restore democracy after decades of military rule.
The friendly advices by the neighbouring countries like India, please note, govt of India keeps a cordial relation with Myanmarese govt as also Aung Saan Syuu Ki from the very outset maintaining a warm relationship with that govt has its own reasons and the most important one is nothing but India is a big trading partner of Myanmar. For keeping Aung Saan Syuuki in good humour India govt is not willing to forefeit its relations with fourth largest trading partner. Hence an equidistant policy has been adopted by India govt. Myanmar’s rich mineral wealth India eyes dearly like another neighbouring country China. Therefore interference in internal affairs of that nation is unthinkable on the part of India. Self-interest always reigns supreme in the minds of each nation. It is not surprising in a world where self-interest plays a prominent role.