“This is the first striking news of 2012”, said comedian and activist Zarganar, himself released on October 12 last year, who came to the airport to welcome those who were freed. “It gives us strength to go on. I believe that everything will come good in the future”. He expressed special appreciation for the latest amnesty to President U Thein Sein, saying it was his decision. “The decision was made by the President alone. That’s 401,” he said, referring to Section 401, Sub-section(1) of Code of Criminal Procedure under which the amnesty was granted. “That’s the only decision that the President can make without involving with National Security and Defence Council,” Zarganar said.
Daw Phyu Phyu Thin, who runs a care centre for people with HIV/AIDS in Yangon’s South Dagon township, said last week’s amnesty was the ‘most dramatic change’ since 1988. “This is totally different from other amnesties. Now almost all the prisoners of conscience are released,” she said.
Echoing sentiments expressed by Zaganar, she said: “This is a big encouragement for the roadmap to democracy and the future of the country.” U No Than Kup, chairman of the Chin Progressive Party, described the January 13 amnesty as a door opening. “The door is open for all of us, to work together for development”, he said.