CPM condemns Myanmar junta

The CPI(M) on Friday shared the sentiments of many countries — especially that of the US and its President George W Bush...

The CPI(M) on Friday shared the sentiments of many countries — especially that of the US and its President George W Bush — in speaking against the military junta in Myanmar. The Politburo said the “Central Government should utilise all political and diplomatic channels to impress upon the military government to cease repression and initiate talks for a democratic transition.”

The statement of the Politburo, the meeting of which is underway in Kolkata, appealed to “all the democratic forces in India to stand by the people of Burma in their heroic struggle”. The party also condemned “the repression unleashed by the military government on the peaceful protest marches.”

It may be noted that in his speech at the 62nd opening session of the United Nations, US President George Bush spoke on similar lines while announcing fresh sanctions on Myanmar. “Every civilised nation also has a responsibility to stand up for the people suffering under dictatorship,” Bush said adding, “…a military junta has imposed a 19-year-reign of fear. Basic freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship are severely restricted. Ethnic minorities are persecuted…”

The CPI(M) too extended its “support to the people of Myanmar who have been struggling for long for the restoration of democracy”, saying “the mass protests in the past ten days are an expression of the deep desire of the people for a democratic system and a better life”.