Jammu: The Myanmar refugees in Jammu have demanded the restoration of democracy in their native country after the military coup that deposed the country's long time ruler and National League for Democracy party leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi, Myanmar's de facto leader, was detained by the military in the early hours of Monday along with President Win Myint.
The army installed an ex-general as president and handed "legislative, judicial and executive powers" to army chief Min Aung Hlaing - effectively returning the country to direct military rule after a 10-year experiment with democracy.
The refugees said that the military coup was highly deplorable. They demanded the immediate release of former rulers and civil administration officials who have been detained by the military.
Muhammadul Hassan, a young refugee who has been living in Jammu camp since 2008 told ETV Bharat that the atrocities committed by the army compelled them to leave their native country. He said that Suu Kyi was trying to repeal the military laws that forced their exodus and it was because of these efforts that the military deposed and arrested her.
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An elderly refugee Din Muhammad said that the entire world knows the plight of Burmese Muslims who were forcibly driven out of their country. "It was the military that forced our exit. We want the establishment of democracy in our country like it is in India and other countries. Everyone should have equal rights," he told ETV Bharat.
Salamatullah, another refugee said that the Mayanmar army executed the genocide of Muslims. "Suu Kyi was a good ruler. She should be released," he said adding that they want to return to their own country. "We have not come here to settle permanently. We want to go back to our country and live like human beings with equal rights and opportunities,", he said.
