New York: More than 500 activists led by four monks held a demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters here, demanding that the world body act decisively to end "suppression" in Myanmar and force the military government to move towards democracy.

Shouting slogans and carrying placards calling for the release of all "prisoners of conscience" including pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, they accused the military regime of jailing several thousand students, Buddhist monks and pro democracy activists.

"Those seeking democracy risk their lives in Myanmar", they chanted. The demonstration held yesterday was spearheaded by Amnesty International which organized a series of protests including one outside the Indian consulate demanding a special commission to address the rehabilitation of victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy.

In front of the Sudanese consulate, they demanded an end to the genocide in Darfur, while outside the Libyan consulate they protested human rights violations in that country.

They also demanded investigations into the killing of journalists, in a protest held in front of the Sri Lankan consulate.

At each location, activist groups for particular causes joined Amnesty in the demonstrations.
Source : PTI