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Singapore rejects visa extension of six Burmese Citizens |
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by Solomon
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Saturday, 23 August 2008 11:29 |
New Delhi — Singapore government has denied renewal of visas of six Burmese citizens and has forced three of them to leave the country since July without giving any reasons, Burmese activists, who called themselves as Burmese Patriots, on Friday.
The activists, who held a press briefing on Friday, call on the Singaporean government to provide proper reasons for the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower's denial of the renewal of visas by six Burmese citizens.
"There is no evidence that the 6 affected Burmese patriots have ever committed a crime against the law in Singapore," said the Burmese Patriots in a statement.
Myo Myint Maung, who led the press conference said, they call on the Singaporean government to announce the reasons for rejecting visa extension by the Burmese citizens.
He said, "This is the first time that visa extensions are denied without proper explanation."
Though there might be several others, who face similar problem, he said, are aware only of the six persons, who had face interrogations more than one time each in police station regarding their involvements in protests held in Singapore in support of democracy in Burma.
"Now we are worry for all others those who have participate in our activities," said Myo Myint Maung, adding that they are, however, prepared to fight for justice with their lawyer.
Three of the six Burmese citizens - Maung Soe Thiha, Myo Tun and Hlaing Moe – have been forced to leave Singapore since the end of July and in early August.
Burmese Patriots in Singapore held peaceful protest march along the city's Orchard Road on November 20, 2007 during the ASEAN summit, and also held 'Vote No' campaigns against the Burmese junta's 'sham' referendum in April and May 2008.
Though it is unclear, why the six Burmese have been denied renewing their visas, activists believe it could be largely connected to Singapore's close relationship with Burma's military rulers.
The activists call on the Singaporean government to explain its decision not to allow the six Burmese citizens to renew their visa, and demanded fair and equal treatment for Burmese activists.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, when contacted by Mizzima, decline to comment on the issue and referred to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
But an official at the ICA, when contacted by Mizzima, said "We can't tell you this information."
"ICA cannot be answering this issue," the official added.
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