Democracy derailed

And for the past 11 years, Aung San Suu Kyi, a former elected leader and a Nobel prize winner, has lived under house arrest, completely isolated.

Democracy derailed

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The military regime in Myanmar should hand over the government to elected leaders. They cannot keep brutalising people using force. In the 1988 protests, thousands of citizens were killed. Once again the junta has begun killing innocent citizens who are asking for freedom. And for the past 11 years, Aung San Suu Kyi, a former elected leader and a Nobel prize winner, has lived under house arrest, completely isolated. Why is there no international pressure bear on such dictators?
Rajendra K Aneja
Dubai

II

India should break its long silence on Myanmar. India should come to the rescue of the people whose democratic aspersions have been undermined by the military junta. Unleashing terror on Buddhist monks is a reflection of the junta’s lack of regard for human rights. India should take the initiative in this direction since it is one of that country’s closest neighbours.
Shiv Pratap
Delhi

Courting problems

The Pakistani Supreme Court’s ruling allowing General Pervez Musharraf to contest the presidential election while remaining army chief is unfortunate. The way the verdict was delivered, it appears the court has fallen into the hands of the ruling elite. No rule of law allows a public servant to hold a dual post. It is the duty of Pakistan’s Election Commission to scrutinise all nominations. It would do well to reject his nomination on the ground that holding two posts is against the spirit of the law.
P Senthil Durai
Hyderabad

II

It should be no surprise if Musharraf manages to have the last laugh. He has ditched Benazir Bhutto who has ditched Nawaz Sharif. And all the three have ditched the people of Pakistan.
VT Joshi
Bhopal

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