Date:18/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/18/stories/2008051858890300.htm

New Delhi

Protest against Myanmar Govt. for restricting foreign aid

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Global Day of Action, a Burmese organisation, had organised a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar here on Saturday against the Myanmar Government for restricting foreign aid to bring relief and rehabilitation to people affected by the recent cyclone.

According to Global Day of Action’s coordinator Kim, “Myanmar’s rice basket – the Irrawaddy delta rice-growing region – was hit by cyclone Nargis on May 2 this year leaving more than 1 million people homeless. Ninety five per cent of the buildings were destroyed. The estimated death toll may be over 100, 000 and an estimated 2.5 million people may be vulnerable to water-borne diseases, hunger and lack of clean drinking water.”

Mr. Kim said: “Compounding the problem are the efforts of the Myanmar’s Government to restrict aid actually reaching the vast majority of people affected by the disaster. Though the Government has officially asked for assistance, aid agencies have been reporting that the supplies are being prevented. Many aid organisations are being denied visas to enter the country.”