Protest Rally at Jantar Mantar Over Military Junta of Burma’s Continued Racial Discrimination Against the Kuki Ethnic People

Reported by: Sasat

New Delhi; July 23, 2009: Combined Democratic Organisations of the Exiled Kukis in New Delhi rallied today at Jantar Mantar over the military junta of Burma’s continued racial discrimination against the Kukis. The rallied that began at 11:50 am lasted for an hour.

Over 60 people belonging exiled ethnic nationalities across Burma participated in the protest. While chanting for the immediate fall of the regime, the slogans also demanded international communities’ support for protection of the rights of minoritized and marginalized Kukis.

After 30 minutes of rallying and chanting slogans, the participants converged at the road side for a short programme which was moderated by Ng Esther Hoinu.

As usual, Gl. Seigin led the tri-salutes – honouring the nation, paying homage to those who laid down their life for restoration of democracy in Burma and to all the past Kuki warriors.

In his introductory speech, Pu Letlam stated that imposition to accept a false identity upon an ethnic minority is indeed a very humiliating treatment. “No any race on earth I ever knew have been subjected to racial humiliation of this kind”, rued Pu Letlam. Since the coming 2010 general election, according to him, is but a ploy to consolidate last year’s referendum, he fervently appealed everyone to totally oppose it.

Statement of the protest rally was read out in two languages – English and Burmese. While Ng.Nemhoilhing read the English version, Ng.Chochong read the Burmese one.

Other speakers included U Balah from Free Trade Union of Burma, Rev. Pin Nya Thawarah, a Buddist monk from the Golden Yellow Monastry and Ko Kyaw Than, president of All Burma Students’ League (ABSL). They all condemned the military junta for meddling with the Kuki identity and for the unjustifiable dictated terms upon the minority Kukis.

Ko Kyaw Than stressed the need for introspection as to whether our words match our deeds. “We need to excel the military generals in terms of discipline, performance and sacrifice for the cause we speak to fight for. Rendering only lip service without concrete action would lead us no where near our wishes,” stated Ko Kyaw Than.

At the end of all the speeches, secretary of the Kuki Students’ Democratic Front delivered his vote of thanks to all the speakers and participants. He also appealed for lending continued support to one another in times of great needs such as this.

The brief road side gathering was concluded with chanting of slogans. After it was declared ended, all the supporting participants were served cold drinks. All then boarded the hired bus and returned to Vikaspuri and Janakpuri localities.