Matters India Reporter
Yangon: Cardinal Charles Bo, head of the Catholic Church in Myanmar, has sent a message to his countrymen and international community to press the military junta to restore democracy and release the leaders arrested in the wake of a coup.
The message was issued February 3, the third of military coup in Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation.
“I write these lines as a spiritual leader, empathizing with the sentiments of millions of people at this moment,” the prelate begins his message.
In an emotional letter, Cardinal Bo, who is also the archbishop of Yangon, appealed people to stay away from violence, demanded military to restore democracy and release jailed democratically elected civilian leaders and international community to stand with the suffering people.
“I appeal to each one of you, stay calm, never fall victim to violence. We have shed enough blood. Let not any more blood be shed in this land. Even at this most challenging moment, I believe that peace is the only way, peace is possible.”
Addressing the country’s military leaders, the cardinal said, “We have seen so much pain in conflicts. Seven decades of shedding blood and the use of violence brought no results. You all promised peace and genuine democracy. Democracy was the streak of hope for solving the problems of this once rich country. This time millions voted for democracy. Our people believe in peaceful transfer of power.”
Several elected representatives of the people belonging to the National League for Democracy (NLD) were arrested along with many writers, activists and youth.
The NLD was the ruling Myanmar since 2015 until to Myanmar coup d’état on February 1.
“I urge you, respect their rights and release them at the earliest,” the cardinal, who is also the head of the Catholic Church in Asia, told the military leaders.
The prelate is also the patron of Religions for Peace in Myanmar and Pro-president for RfP International. He told the coup leaders that the people arrested are not “prisoners of war; they are prisoners of a democratic process. You promise democracy; start with releasing them. World will understand you.”
On a personal note to State Counselor Daw (Aunt) Aung San Suu Kyi the cardinal wrote, “Dear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, you have lived for our people, sacrificed your life for our people. You will be always the voice of our people. These are painful days. You have known darkness, you have known light in this nation. You are not only the favorite daughter of the father of the nation, General Aung San. You are Amay Suu to the nation. Truth will prevail.”
The cardinal also warned international community to desist from condemnation and imposing sanctions saying, “We beg you do not force concerned people into bartering our sovereignty. Sanctions risk collapsing the economy, throwing millions into poverty.”
The cardinal reminded world leaders that “Engaging the actors in reconciliation is the only path.”
Concluding his message, the cardinal said, “Peace is possible. Peace is the only way. Democracy is the only light to that path.”
bo appeal coup myanmar