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We stand with the people of Myanmar in their struggle for peace, democracy, political freedom, human rights and just economic development. They have decided that they will not accept the military rule and dictatorship under which they have suffered for so long.
They are right to do so. For decades Myanmar, a country of immense natural wealth, has been impoverished by bad governance. Authoritarian rule knows only how to dominate, and does so with lies. Now it is destroying even the meagre democratic gains of the past two decades.
If these gains are to be restored, this will come through people who build trust across the country’s divisions and unite Myanmar’s people, giving the ethnic minorities their rightful role in national affairs. Then a workable democracy can emerge, in which the Tatmadaw returns to the true, honourable role of a national army.
We can all help. We can support those in Myanmar who are active in this struggle. We can send desperately-needed humanitarian support. We can work through our governments, institutions and media to keep the spotlight on Myanmar and persuade the Tatmadaw to heed the people. We can take inspiration from the courage and commitment of Myanmar’s people, and tackle the sources of division in our own countries – the greed and corruption, power-seeking and hatred.
It is not just Myanmar that needs to turn confrontation into cooperation. We need it worldwide if we are to meet the immense global challenges we face. There is no point in just blaming our leaders, even if they are often guided by wrong priorities. We citizens need to take responsibility ourselves, otherwise our children will endure continuing pandemics, immense heat, massive migration, environmental destruction, conflict over resources.
The crises we face will only be overcome if both leaders and citizens accept the new level of responsibility that our imperilled planet demands. As the Dalai Lama has stated, ‘Each of us must learn to work not just for his or her own self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival.’
As we work to help Myanmar in its hour of need, we are helping create a world fit for our children and grandchildren to grow up in.
L Wanglat, former Home and Finance Minister, Arunachal Pradesh
Jarpum Gamlin, Founding Editor, Eastern Sentinel, Arunachal Pradesh
Sanjoy Hazarika, commentator and author, Assam
Udayon Mishra, Professor of English Literature, Dibrugarh University, Assam
Paresh Malakar, Secretary, AxomNagarik Samaj, Assam
Gautam Bordoloi, journalist, Guwahati, Assam
Dr Sunil Kaul, co-founder ‘the ant’ development organisation working for the health and rights of marginalised communities, Guwahati, Assam
Jennifer Liang, co-founder ‘the ant’; Chevening Gurukul Scholar at London School of Economics, Guwahati, Assam
Mrinal Gohain, Assam Citizens Forum, Assam
Radhabinod Koijam, former Chief Minister of Manipur
Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director, Human Rights Alert, Manipur
Prof Amar Yumnam, former Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University; Chair, Humanitarian Sub-Committee for Myanmarese Refugees
Pradip Phanjoubam, author and Editor, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, Manipur
Achan Mungleng, Regional Consultant, Henry Martyn Institute, Ukhrul, Manipur
Patricia Mukhim, former National Security Advisory Board member; Editor, The Shillong Times, Meghalaya
Sunny Donkupar Mawiong, social activist, Meghalaya
R Sangkawia, President, Zo Reunification Organisation, Mizoram
Denghnuna, IAS (Retd), former Secretary to Government of Mizoram
L R Sailo, MIS, former Director, Information & Publicity, Gov’t of Mizoram
Er Levi Rengma, former Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly of Nagaland
Phutoli Shikhu Chingmak, LLB MA (University of London) Human Rights Law & Development; MD, Eleutheros Christian Society, Tuensang, Nagaland
Dr Akum Longchari, Editor, The Morung Express, Nagaland
Husazu Epao, educationist, Nagaland
Charles Chasie, former editor, historian, and author, Nagaland
Dr Wati Aier, former Principal Oriental Theological Seminary; Convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation
Dr Visier Sanyu Meyasetsu, inaugural Head, History and Archaeology, University of Nagaland
Gentleson Vashum, social activist, Nagaland
Nepuni Piku, former Executive Secretary, International Alliance of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forests, Nagaland
Dr P Ngully, Chair, Kohima Educational Trust, Nagaland
Lipichem Sangtam, journalist and educationist, Nagaland
Niketu Iralu, social worker for fresh thinking, regional stability and development, Nagaland
H E Son Soubert, Privy Councillor to the King of Cambodia; Deputy Chairman, National Assembly
Seumas Graham, Duke of Montrose, House of Lords, UK
Rev Tim Costello, Executive Director, Micah Australia
Mu Shwe, Karen lawyer, Brisbane, Australia
Suresh Khatri, of ‘Fiji – I Care!’ initiative for national unity, Suva, FIJI
Richard Weeks, Co-Founder, Canadian Friends of Myanmar, Canada
Dr Jehan Perera, Executive Director, National Peace Council, Sri Lanka
Wimarshana Ranasinghe, Facilitator, Peace Building & Non-violent Communication, Sri Lanka
Shashika De Silva, Sustainable Farming & Food Supply, Sri Lanka
Sulari Kumarasiri, undergraduate in law for peace building, human rights and justice, Sri Lanka
Ms Meena Sharma, President, Institute of Human Rights Communication, Nepal
Kamal Kandel, founding member, Quick Response Centre, Nepal
Wangyal Damko, Tibetan refugee, social worker, artist, Himachal Pradesh
Venerable Bhikkhu Sangasena, founder, Mahabodi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh
Chuskit Angmo, academic facilitator, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh
Dechen Dolker, Program officer, Ashiyana Foundation, social activist, Ladakh
G Kanato Chophy, author & researcher, Centre NE India Studies, Utkal University, Odisha