Date:02/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/02/stories/2007100253781200.htm

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Peace rally for democracy in Myanmar

Staff Reporter

Gujral, George Fernandes and Fali S. Nariman take part

— Photo: V. Sudershan

Voice of people: The former Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral, and the former Defence Minister, George Fernandes (right), with others at a protest march by members of the “Solidarity for Democracy in Myanmar” against repression of democratic forces by the junta of Myanmar, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: The former Prime Minister, I. K. Gujral, and National Democratic Alliance convener George Fernandes on Monday extended their support to the cause of democracy in Myanmar by joining a peace march at Jantar Mantar here.

“Stop arms export”

They strongly condemned the crackdown on protesters by the junta in Myanmar and urged the government to immediately stop exports of arms to Myanmar.

Mr. Gujral told journalists that the government should pay listen to the voices of pro-democracy forces in Myanmar and ensure the return of democracy.

Mr. Fernandes said the present government in Myanmar could not be trusted any more and the people of there needed the help and solidarity of Indians.

Monks’ plea

Earlier, Buddhist monks from Myanmar and Tibet, a number of children, women and young men, carrying posters and photographs of jailed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, urged India to stop the junta from using force on protesters.

Apart from Mr. Gujral and Mr. Fernandes, eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman, environmentalist Vandana Shiva, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders V.K. Malhotra and Vijay Goel and Samata Party leader Jaya Jaitley also participated in the peace march.