Mizzima News

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The members of the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature has urged Burmese scribes to continue their work amidst tight restrictions imposed on them, by their military rulers, saying their solidarity remains with them.

Ajeet Cour, president of the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature said, despite the obvious lack of freedom of the press in Burma, writers, poets and journalists should continue writing to promote literature in the country.

Cour said Burmese writers should, “never yield before injustice. Stand firm. If truth is with you, you will win in the end.” She said, the Foundation supports the struggle of the Burmese scribes.

Speaking to Mizzima, on the sidelines of the 29th SAARC Literature Festival held in Agra, the city which is home to the Taj Mahal, from March 12 – 17, Cour said, the foundation hopes to include Burmese writers as members in the future as Burma is culturally connected with South Asia.

The Foundation currently includes, writers from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, India and Bhutan.

“We hope that Burma will also become a member of SAARC, as we share the same civilization that was stretched from Afghanistan to Burma,” she added.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Samad, poet and professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research in the University of Dhaka of Bangladesh, also expressed the need for SAARC leaders to connect with Burma as the country shares cultural connection.

“We have found that there are good relations on trade and investment between Burma and South Asia countries. At the same time, there should be also cultural connectivity between Burma and South Asian countries,” Samad said.

“If Burma can be included in SAARC, we will be able to exchange our views, we will understand each other better,” he added.

The Foundation, during its 29th literature festival, invited two Burmese writers – Ju and Nay Win Myint – from inside Burma. However, both of them failed to attend the festival. But a Burmese poet in exile, along with two journalists, was able to attend the festival.