"Seminar on 9999 movement in Burma"

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Subject: "Seminar on 9999 movement in Burma" held in New Delhi

?If people are united, the military rule will not last long in Burma?:
?Seminar on 9999 movement in Burma? held in New Delhi

By Our Staff Reporter

September 6, New Delhi: A seminar on ?non-violence in practice, 9999
movement in Burma? was held this morning in New Delhi by India-based
Burma pro-democracy activists in support of the call for a people?s
uprising in Burma on September 9, 1999. Exiled Burma activists had set
the magical 9999 date for a repeat of nation-wide people?s
demonstrations eleven years ago in Burma. The seminar, which was held in
Gandhi Peace Foundation building, was participated by well-known
Gandhians and social activists from India.

Distancing himself from the present policy of Indian government towards
Burma, Mr. Rabi Ray who is a former Speaker of Indian Parliament (Lower
House) said that it is a shame that Indian government is keeping silent
on the current political situation in Burma. He, however, assured the
Burmese that he and the people of India are with them in the struggle
for restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma.

Comparing with Mahatama Gandhi, Martin Lutherking, and Nelson Mandela of
the world leaders, Ms. Madhu Kishwar, editor of MANUSHI women journal in
India, said that Aung San Suu Kyi is not only the leader of the Burma
democratic struggle but also the symbol of hope and expectations for the
people around the world.

Ms. Nirmala Dashpande, a Member of Indian Parliament (Upper House),
highlighted the importance of the non-violence struggle for democracy in
Burma. ?The strength is with the people. If the people are united, the
military rule of Burma will not last long and democracy will definitely
prevail in Burma soon?, said Nirmala Dashpande who is also a well-known
Gandhian.

Speaking at the function, Dr. Tint Swe, a cabinet member of the exiled
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) explained
the volatile situation inside Burma. ?The change is inevitable. The
people will rise up against the military junta in Burma very soon?, he
said. About 30 Burma activists who are taking shelter in India were also
present in the seminar.