Today marks the third anniversary of the Depayin massacre, Burma's bloodiest incident since the 1988 popular uprising. On May 30, 2003 hundreds of members and supporters of the (NLD) [1] led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were attacked by a government-backed mob at Kyi-Ywa, Depayin Township. The government claimed only 4 people were killed and blamed NLD for the conflict. In fact a n estimated 70 people were killed and 200 injured. Aung San Suu Kyi barely survived but was taken into custody on the very night. To date, there has been no official investigation and no charges have been leveled at those responsible. The US embassy in Rangoon after on-site investigation described it was premeditated attack.

It is widely believed that the regime's (USDA) [2], under the guidance of the then Secretary 1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, orchestrated the attack. Now that Soe Win becomes the Prime Minister. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo [3] are still under house arrest since then. We, pro-democracy Burmese groups in India remember Depayin massacre and pay homage to all slaughtered.

Her last confinement order, issued in November 2005, was to expire on 16th anniversary of the Election Day on 27th May. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealed to Senior Gen. Than Shwe "to do the right thing" and free Suu Kyi to "allow the government and the people, not only to build the nation together, but to focus on the essential issue of economic and social development." Recent diplomatic moves had raised hopes she might be released. However flouting world opinion and a direct appeal from the head of the United Nations, SPDC [4] extended the house arrest of Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In response to that NLD issued a statement characterizing the junta's action as unlawful. Noting that she is being held under an anti-subversion law, it said: "Since there is no proof of security threat, the extension of her detention is not in accordance with national law and the extension will not benefit the national reconciliation process." It shows there is no rule of law in Burma. NLD vowed to take legal action to fight her detention - a day after the junta ordered the extension of her house arrest in defiance international pressure. We entirely support NLD's legal fight.

Just before that SPDC has made a series of irrational and absurd actions against NLD, ethnic Karen people [5] inside and main political organizations in exile [6]. The responsible international community criticized the military regime for this extension of Daw Suu's house arrest. [7] Regrettably Burma's big neighbors keep silent on all such blatant undertakings of SPDC. The people of Burma become to realize that the neighbors are real friends of the dictator and lost hope for outside support. The trend indicates democratic Burma will go beyond the geographical actuality and do business with friends in need.

Senior leaders a re worried about the fate of the country and terrified of another crackdown. Meanwhile, tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS have reached their highest levels ever. The education system is a shambles. Inflation is rampant. On May 27, 2006 around 400 (NLD) youth members marched in an orderly way from the NLD head office towards Daw Suu's house. But members of security police, fire brigade and (USDA) blocked the roads and barred them from reaching her home. The army is facing crisis of runaways and recruitment as well as absence without leave. There are explicit calls for civil disobedience and non-cooperation. Increasing number of Burmese people are interested in the planned protest to be staged by former rector Dr. Salai Tun Than in Rangoon on the birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 19th June.

On this anniversary of Depayin massacre, we denounce SPDC and our demands are:

SPDC:

* To release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners without delay,
* To free Khun Htun Oo and Shan leaders immediately, and
* To stop warfare against ethnic nationalities ahead of tripartite dialogue.

United Nations:

* To bring Burma case to the UN Security Council and take effective actions, [8]

Neighboring countries:

* To turn around Burma policy and
* To fully support the action by the UN Security Council.

The people of Burma:

* To exercise the power of the people and
* To do all concerted and disciplined measures without violating the just laws.

30th May 2006, New Delhi
Peaceful Protest by Burmese pro-democracy groups organized by SYCB [9]
Contact: 989-162-6823; 989-927-8511

Pointers:

[1] NLD = National League for Democracy
[2] USDA = Union Solidarity and Development Association
[3] U Tin Oo is the Vice Chairman of NLD
[4] SPDC = State Peace and Development Council, the military regime of Burma/Myanmar
[5] The offensive by the junta has uprooted more than 11,000 members of the Karan ethnic minority.
[6] 9 April: Terrorist groups such as NCUB (National Council of the Union of Burma), NCGUB (National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma), KNU (Karen National Union), FTUB (Free Trade Unions of Burma), All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), National League for Democracy/Liberated Areas (NLD /LA), NDD, Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS), SSA-S (Shan State Army- South), VBSW (Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors), etc.

[7] Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Japan deems it regrettable that the Government of Myanmar [Burma] has not yet lifted the detention under house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi." The European Union: "The EU … urges the Burmese government to fully restore her freedom and civil liberties." US State Department's spokesman: "The United States condemns the extension of Aung San Suu Kyi's detention, yet another sign of the regime's intransigence and brutal repression." Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Singapore is disappointed by the extension of Aung San Suu Kyi's detention. We reiterate ASEAN's position that Aung San Suu Kyi should be released as soon as possible." Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar : "I am very surprised. I was hoping ... that they would not extend the house arrest. We are disappointed." Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon: "We would like to see Myanmar back in the realm of the international community, so progress in national reconciliation is something of importance. So I'm disappointed." Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Cyril Svoboda: The Minister of Foreign Affairs requests the authorities of Myanmar/Burma to immediately release from the house arrest the leader of the NLD and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent, without trial and without any charges, 10 out of 16 last years in detention.

[8] The United Nations can still play a role. A useful precedent is the case of Cambodia in 1997. When President Hun Sen overthrew Prince Norodom Ranariddh, the Credentials Committee of the UN simply deferred a decision on who spoke for Cambodia. The Cambodian chair at the General Assembly sat empty for a year. Such a move would be embarrassing for the country that proudly gave the UN its third secretary general, U Thant. But the misery of the Burmese people is more than an embarrassment: It is a disgrace. Ludu Sein Win, a journalist and writer who lives in Yangon. International Herald Tribune, May 23, 2006