Kuala Lumpur, June 05: The United Nations special envoy to Myanmar today urged India and other Asian powers to apply pressure on the military junta there to accede to his demands to see detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Razali Ismail, who has been UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's pointman for Myanmar for the past three years, goes to Yangon tomorrow.

"India, a successful largest democracy, is expected to play an important role to help people in the neighbouring country to establish the democratic process," Razali said here today.

Speaking on the recent arrest of Suu Kyi in Myanmar, Razali said: "One of the strongest countries in the region, India should be able put pressure on Myanmar."

Noting that several senior leaders from Myanmar have visited India, the envoy said: "India should have a dialogue with them on the issue."

He said the UN mission has achieved very little success in Myanmar and he would like the countries in the region to play proactive roles in finding out options.

Razali, on his mission to Myanmar, will try to persuade the generals to let Suu Kyi go. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was taken into "protective custody" last week after a clash between her supporters and the government supporters during a tour of the north of the country.

Official versions say four people died in the clash, but there is talk that the figure was far higher, and speculation is rife that Suu Kyi was hurt.

Bureau Report