India’s active & diverse initiatives sought in Myanmar – People from Guwahati Press Club connects to human rights activist Debbie Stothard in Myanmar

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India’s active & diverse initiatives sought in Myanmar - People from Guwahati Press Club connects to human rights activist Debbie Stothard in Myanmar
India’s active & diverse initiatives sought in Myanmar - People from Guwahati Press Club connects to human rights activist Debbie Stothard in Myanmar
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Azadi Ka Amrit Mahoutsav

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By N.J. Thakuria

Guwahati: As India and Myanmar (formerly Burma) maintain a strong
legacy of friendship, trust and cooperation  for centuries,  the
southeast Asian nation expects an active role in diverse fields from
New Delhi. But  reasons, best known to the Indian government, visible
efforts from New Delhi continue to be rare in contrast to hyper
activism adopted by the Beijing based Chinese administration.

Speaking to a group of scribes at Guwahati Press Club from Bogo near
to Yangon on 7 December 2018 through video conferencing,  Debbie
Stothard, a journalist turned pro-democracy human rights activist,
also pointed out the unusual delay in functioning of much hyped
Kaladan multi-modal project that would connect Myanmar’s Sittwe port
to northeast Indian provinces.

On the other hand, Beijing successfully installed the project of oil &
gas pipelines from the same Arakan province to China’s Kunming city
and already made it operational. Not only in energy sector, Chinese
agencies have been  working relentlessly in Myanmar with an inherent
influence over the present regime in NayPyiTaw, added Ms Debbie, who
used to work as a journalist, community educator and trainer in
Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.

Answering queries from Guwahati scribes, she pointed out that all
historical ruins related to India’s glorious freedom movement across
Myanmar should be preserved. She mentioned about Gandhi Hall, INA
(Indian National Army/Azad Hind Fauj) headquarter, Bahadurshah Zafar
tomb etc in Yangon needs proper conservations. Debbie argued that it
would also help Myanmar government as those places have historical and tourism interests for millions of Indians.

Describing State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi’s role in the
quasi-democratic government of Myanmar, she admitted that it emerges as a great challenge to the Burmese icon to continue the peace mission with various ethnic armed groups as well as other relevant pro-people initiatives. Debbie however admitted that even though the international community and media fraternity had outraged the lady over her silence on Rohingya controversy, Suu Kyi continues to be popular among the common Burmese nationals.

On the Rohingya  issue, Debbie insisted on their safe and dignified
returns to Myanmar and here the International Federation for Human
Rights secretary general urged the Bangladesh and India governments to support the mission. She revealed that there is a  sizable population
from both the neighbouring  countries in Myanmar and hence the regimes in Dhaka and New Delhi should consider it a matter of immediate concern.

Asserting that the Burmese military still enjoys a significant
influence over the government, Debbie disclosed that the media and
rights activists are still under pressure to function independently in
Myanmar. Even though there is no censor board for the media at
present, the journalists in the county have t be extra careful while
reporting hard issue relating to corruptions in high places and
non-governance in the nascent democracy.

Putting lights on the poor healthcare condition in the government run
hospitals, the outspoken activist however informed that various
private parties have come up with affordable medical facilities.
Millions of common Burmese in the poverty stricken country are still
deprive of necessary healthcare accesses.  Mentioning about Thailand
government’s special packages for visiting Burmese patients, Ms Debbie commented that private hospitals in eastern India can also supports those needy patients with specific policies adopted by New Delhi.

About Post Author

Antara Tripathy

Chief Editor & CEO of IBG NEWS (09/Aug/2018-Present), Secretary of All Indian Reporter's Association,West Bengal State Committee. Earlier Vice President of IBG NEWS (01/Jan/ 2013-08/Aug/2018). She took over the charge from the Founder Editor of the Channel.
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