Gujral, Fernandes join protests against Myanmar

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister I K Gujral and NDA convenor George Fernandes on Monday joined a large group of Myanmarese refugees in capital's streets passionately urging India to ensure the return of democracy in the neighbouring country and stop exporting arms to the military junta.
    
Strongly condemning the junta's crackdown on protesters led by Buddhist monks, the leaders, who took part in a march to Parliament along with about 500 Myanmarese refugees, urged the government to immediately stop the export of arms to Yangon.
    
Gujral said the Indian government should listen to the voices of pro-democracy activists in Myanmar and ensure that democracy returns to the neighbouring country.
    
Fernandes also echoed Gujral's views and said "there is nothing left to trust this government. Burmese people need our help and solidarity".
    
BJP leaders V K Malhotra and Vijay Goel also participated in the march.
    
Armed with posters and photographs of jailed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a number of children, women and youths raised slogans against the junta and urged New Delhi to use its leverage to influence Yangon to restrain from using force on the protesters.
    
A spokesperson for the refugees said, at this crucial moment of struggle, the Burmese people need India's support and help in stopping further bloodshed in the country.