Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The alleged "religious" visit to India by the Burmese junta leader General Than Shwe is creating concern and anger among Burmese exiles and human rights activists, who accuse the Indian government of only being concerned with its own economic interests.

During his visit, scheduled for July 25 to 29, Than Shwe will travel to Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh to the manufacturing facility of Tata, the largest carmaker in India, which intends to launch operations in the "cheaper" Myanmar.

Sajan K. George, national president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) has sent an appeal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking the Indian government for a greater commitment to restoring democracy and respect for human rights in Myanmar.

Sajan George invites all representatives of the Government of India to boycott the visit, which must be regarded as an affront to the people of the world's largest democracy. "We are asking - he adds - all persons elected by the people of India to take this opportunity to give a strong message to the infamous dictator of Myanmar. India should not collaborate with the regime. "

Even stronger criticism comes from Burmese dissidents living in exile in India, who consider the visit a trick by the Burmese regime to legitimize the elections scheduled for 2010.

Kyaw Than, president of Burma Student League, says: "Having adopted a policy of engagement with Myanmar, India can not do things that may irritate the Burmese military clique. Everyone knows they know that the Burmese elections will not be free and fair, but India does not see this as a negative factor. For this reason, the government will not speak out on the issue in order not to disturb the general. "