Yangon: Ahead of the Peace Day marking the assassination of India’s father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, Myanmar’s chapter of Religions for Peace Co-President Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has appealed for peace and reconciliation.
On the occasion, the religious leaders have put forward an urgent 7-point plan to the elected leaders in the new government, to responsible persons in the military, to all civil servants, to ethnic leaders both political and military, and to all people of good will.
“As leaders of faith communities, we commit to work together with one another and with you, to support you in the demands of leadership to, “create the conditions for peace; eliminate all ethnic discrimination; demilitarize Myanmar; seek political solutions; continue to reform the judiciary, education, social welfare and health systems; decentralize decision making, and prepare the next generation.”
Myanmar’s current challenges include corona virus, education of children who missed an year of schooling, starvation and environmental catastrophe.
Creating conditions for peace is the first duty of Myanmar’s new government, the 72 year old cardinal reminded saying, “Peace will only come if a spirit of transparent, open and accountable leadership is instilled into every sector and level of governance.”
The religious leaders called on civil, political and military leaders to eliminate all ethnic discrimination and take a path to solidarity.
The cardinal who is also President of Asian Bishops’ Conferences said, “Now is the time to grow as an outward-looking, welcoming, flourishing nation that celebrates unity in diversity.”
On a sad note Myanmar’s first cardinal lamented, “It is not a badge of honour that Myanmar creates refugees and stateless persons in such massive numbers.”
In his appeal to demilitarize Myanmar, the cardinal reminded, “War is the language of death. Civil wars are a refusal to recognize the humanity of our brothers and sisters. Violence never begets peace. War negates national harmony.”
In an effort to seek political solution to the maladies that plague the nation the cardinal said, “Reform the judiciary, education, social welfare and health systems.”
In his concluding remarks encouraging all stake holders to desist military power and negotiate political solution saying, “History teaches us, diplomats and peacemakers know, that there is never going to be a military solution to a political conflict.” END