The democracies of the world are celebrating the release of the Myanmar icon of democracy. The statements from the leaders all over the world and messages fulsome in praise of Aung San Suu Kyi are pouring in from world leaders like US President, UK’s Prime Minister, UN’s Secretary General and EU’s Commissioner rejoicing at her release. Only the world’s largest democracy, India, is lukewarm in welcoming the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Our Minister for External Affairs – not the Prime minister – describes it as a step taken by the Myanmar junta “towards national reconciliation”. What does India mean by “national reconciliation”? If it means a step towards restoration of democracy and freedom of speech and expression and freedom from human rights abuses; the External Affairs Minister fails to mention it.
Dr Mookhi Amir Ali
Mumbai, M.S.