Apr 8, 2008 (DVB), The Ethnic Nationalities Council has said that the military regime's proposed constitution could erode the rights of ethnic nationalities, and urged people to vote against it in the upcoming referendum.
Dr Salai Lian Hmung, general secretary of the ENC, said the constitution would only heighten tension between ethnic groups.
"The entire political struggle that has been going on for 50 years in Burma, including the civil war, has been based on the argument developed by the basic constitution," Dr Salai Lian Hmung said.
"The people should vote ‘No’ in the referendum as the ruling junta is trying to force them at gun point to agree to a constitution written without their participation," he said.
"This constitution is especially dangerous for the ethnic people. If it is approved, it is certain the ethnic people will lose more of their rights over time."
Reporting by Maung Too
