By Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is reportedly leaving for Myanmar (Burma) today for a two day visit. Unlike his earlier interactions with the leaders of Myanmar, Dr Singh must this time firmly convey in unequivocal terms to the Government and leadership of Myanmar the deep anguish and disapproval of the people and the Government of India in respect of the large scale ongoing anti-Muslim ethnic cleansing in that country.
Unabated, protracted, mass scale and intransigent gross violation of Human Rights has been continuing in Myanmar for quite some time. Hence, India which has earlier been Myanmar’s protector state and is now its 4th largest trading partner, must also threaten Myanmar of cutting down bilateral trade. The Tripartite Highway Project needs to be put on hold. India should also vehemently move resolutions in ASEAN, SAARC and UNO asking them to impose international trade sanctions against Myanmar.
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Dr. Mahmood is the President of Zakat Foundation of India