Two women, who were among the nine Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) activists detained in yesterday’s protest in Seberang Jaya, were released at 2pm today after being held in police custody for nearly 20 hours.
The remaining seven, including Hindraf national coordinator TS Thanenthiran, have been shifted from the Central Seberang Perai district police headquarters to the North Seberang Perai district police headquarters this morning.KR Santhi, 30, and K Saratha, 34, were released on police bail after Hindraf Perak coordinator A Vethamurthy signed the documents as their guarantor.
When contacted, Santhi said the police recorded statements from all nine activists following their arrest over a protest against a splinter group, which also claimed to represent Hindraf, outside a Chinese temple.
She said the nine were questioned for nearly 12 hours before the women were locked up in a cell until their release.
The activists led by Thanenthiran protested against the splinter group, led by VK Regu and the saffron-clad M. Ramachandran, also known as Ramaji, for organising a Hindu religious prayer under Hindraf’s name at a Chinese temple in Seberang Jaya, which is under the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.
Regu said the event was organised by a Makkal Sakthi movement in collaboration with an NGO to seek divine intervention to secure the release of the five Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act.It was also done to urge Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to fulfil Hindraf’s 18-point memorandum on Indian affairs submitted to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last year.
Candlelight vigil
Hindraf’s self-exiled chairperson P Waythamoorthy told Malaysiakini via telephone that Regu and Ramaji were no longer involved in Hindraf activities for working against the minority rights group interests.
Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar, T Vasantha Kumar and lawyers M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau have been detained for two years under the ISA.During the protest, the activists called on Regu and Ramaji not to use Hindraf for their own interests.
Meanwhile, some 50 activists held a candlelight vigil against the arrest outside the SPT police headquarters in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam for nearly eight hours.
PKR parliamentarians Sivarasa Rasiah, Tian Chua and N. Gobalakrishnan, and Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar were present to give support.
They said that the arrest was uncalled for and could have been avoided.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
How Permatang Pauh is spilling over on to all of us - a report of what happened at the Karu Mariamman Temple in Butterworth
Permatang Pauh is spilling all over in Penang.
First, the Prime Minister wanted to create a sort of a coup by upstaging Hindraf in appearing at one of their functions impromptu in Butterworth yesterday.
Just, what we did not know yesterday, but do know today is that this is another one of those staged events. The event was organised by two renegade Indians who go by the names of Ramaji and Regu. Ramaji was a founding member of HINDRAF but who has since strayed into treacherous territory. It looks like these two have been in contact with the PM on this matter before the event. Even though this is a bit of speculation on my part, events do definitely suggest it.
But boy, was the PM in for a surprise. The people who were there at the place gave Pak Lah a treatment he is not going to easily forget. Remember what Samy Vellu got just prior to the general elections in March.
I was not personally there but I did see two clips on the phone camera on a friends phone, which we will try to upload soon. The crowd that had gathered there quickly polarised on Pk Lah's entrance to the scene. The people immediately who felt violated by Pak lah's presence began a spontaneous protest . Pak Lah was booed. This was what was captured in the video clip. Quite some booing I must say. Pak Lah left soon afterwards after receiveing this rather unwelcome treatment.
Video: PM's unwelcome:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzml_rp-Ywc
Then a little later, after further protestation by the group, as the crowd was dispersing the National Hindraf Coordinator, the Penang State Hindraf Coordinator and several other Hindraf activists and supporters were arrested by the police.
While all this was happening there was a Jalur Gemilang launching event going on in the Island by Hindraf. The participants of that event were notified and many of them headed for the Bandar Perda Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah on the mainland. There were already many supporters gathered at the Police station by about 10 pm when they were joined from those on the Island. There were around 200-250 supporters outside the police station. Some senior PKR politicians were there - at least 4 of them. The press was abundantly present too, the people were milling about outside the police station, waiting for word about the release of those remanded. Finally at around 3.00 am word came out definitively that they could at best be released the following day. The group made a decision to disperse and reconvene at 10.am today to continue to show support for those remanded.
All of this is just the personal side of the how the system in our contry really operates.The people are increasingly become aware of the reality of the system. All these days the people have been cheated and lied to and made to feel as if the problems they faced were all of their own making. The reality is that a coterie has taken hold of the reins of power in our country and through treachery want to continue their control with brazen acts of power.
The people at times like this are directly confronted with the truth and awareness is growing. The Indian people of Penang are awakening with every such event to a better understanding of what this system really is like. The people of Permatang Pauh are recently getting a strong dose of this reality too daily, which spills over to all the rest of us in incidents like what happened at the KaruMariamman temple in Butterworth yesterday
But the people will ultimately and surely prevail.
United we stand
United we act.
courtesy of nayagan
First, the Prime Minister wanted to create a sort of a coup by upstaging Hindraf in appearing at one of their functions impromptu in Butterworth yesterday.
Just, what we did not know yesterday, but do know today is that this is another one of those staged events. The event was organised by two renegade Indians who go by the names of Ramaji and Regu. Ramaji was a founding member of HINDRAF but who has since strayed into treacherous territory. It looks like these two have been in contact with the PM on this matter before the event. Even though this is a bit of speculation on my part, events do definitely suggest it.
But boy, was the PM in for a surprise. The people who were there at the place gave Pak Lah a treatment he is not going to easily forget. Remember what Samy Vellu got just prior to the general elections in March.
I was not personally there but I did see two clips on the phone camera on a friends phone, which we will try to upload soon. The crowd that had gathered there quickly polarised on Pk Lah's entrance to the scene. The people immediately who felt violated by Pak lah's presence began a spontaneous protest . Pak Lah was booed. This was what was captured in the video clip. Quite some booing I must say. Pak Lah left soon afterwards after receiveing this rather unwelcome treatment.
Video: PM's unwelcome:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzml_rp-Ywc
Then a little later, after further protestation by the group, as the crowd was dispersing the National Hindraf Coordinator, the Penang State Hindraf Coordinator and several other Hindraf activists and supporters were arrested by the police.
While all this was happening there was a Jalur Gemilang launching event going on in the Island by Hindraf. The participants of that event were notified and many of them headed for the Bandar Perda Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah on the mainland. There were already many supporters gathered at the Police station by about 10 pm when they were joined from those on the Island. There were around 200-250 supporters outside the police station. Some senior PKR politicians were there - at least 4 of them. The press was abundantly present too, the people were milling about outside the police station, waiting for word about the release of those remanded. Finally at around 3.00 am word came out definitively that they could at best be released the following day. The group made a decision to disperse and reconvene at 10.am today to continue to show support for those remanded.
All of this is just the personal side of the how the system in our contry really operates.The people are increasingly become aware of the reality of the system. All these days the people have been cheated and lied to and made to feel as if the problems they faced were all of their own making. The reality is that a coterie has taken hold of the reins of power in our country and through treachery want to continue their control with brazen acts of power.
The people at times like this are directly confronted with the truth and awareness is growing. The Indian people of Penang are awakening with every such event to a better understanding of what this system really is like. The people of Permatang Pauh are recently getting a strong dose of this reality too daily, which spills over to all the rest of us in incidents like what happened at the KaruMariamman temple in Butterworth yesterday
But the people will ultimately and surely prevail.
United we stand
United we act.
courtesy of nayagan
HINDRAF BETRAYED FROM WITHIN
HINDRAF135-3 JALAN TOMAN 7KEMAYAN SQUARE70200 SEREMBAN
BRIEF PRESS STATEMENT 23RD AUGUST 2008-08
RE: ISA DETAINEE VASANTHAKUMAR A SPECIAL BRANCH PLANTRAMACHANDRAN MEYAPPAN & V.K.REGU HAVE BEEN RECRUITED ASGOVERNMENT AGENTS TO BETRAY HINDRAF CAUSE.
ISA detainee Vasanthakumar had volunteered to join HINDRAF in September 2007 and according to him at that time he was “waiting for someone to do something drastic” and the fact that I had filed an action against the UK Government attracted him to join HINDRAF. He had then served as a volunteer and I offered him to undertake the post of pro tem treasurer.
It came to my attention in January 2008 that Vasanthakumar has been planted by the Police Special Branch to infiltrate HINDRAF and upon further investigations the fact became apparent.
In March 2008 I was informed by two top Government officers on separate occasions confirming Vasanthakumar was assigned to break up HINDRAF lawyers in detention and the organisation from his detention. He had since met with various people from within HINDRAF to break the organization.
V.K.Regu though was a Pro tem Secretary of HINDRAF but was removed personally by me in October 2007 for undertaking activities against the interests of HINDRAF.
Upon the arrest of the 5 I had appointed a 10 member interim committee of which Tanendran was made the National Co-ordinator and Ramachandran Meyappan alias Ramaji was made the Spiritual Advisor of HINDRAF.
Recent events have shown that Ramaji and Regu had made frequent visits to KEMTA prison to meet Vasanthakumar secretly and they had colluded to break up HINDRAF and take over the registration of HINDRAF as an organization.
Ramaji and Regu had various secret and unauthorised meetings with the Prime Ministers Department, the PM’s Private Secretary and top MIC leaders over the last 5 months and I have evidence of this. It is now clear that all their activities thus far is to break up HINDRAF and take over the leadership of HINDRAF together with Vasanthakumar upon his release from ISA
It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Government would approve the registration of HINDRAF as a legitimate organisation but the approval would be handed over to Regu Ramaji and Vasanthakumar and other MIC proxies so that the unity and power that HINDRAF has displayed under the MAKKAL SAKTI would be permanently be damaged and shattered.
I apologize to all HINDRAF supporters for concealing these crucial facts all these while. I did this solely to protect the unity and integrity of HINDRAF and to avoid the breakup of HINDRAF. I sincerely believed that the release of the 5 including Vasanthakumar is of utmost importance for the sake of HINDRAF’S struggle.
What transpired today at Butterworth is a blatant insult to the intelligence of all HINDRAF supporters. Ramaji and Regu had placed various advertisements and news in the local tamil daily over the last few days about gathering 20 000 people for a Yaagam for the release of the 5 HINDRAF and for the promotion of the 18 demands submitted by HINDRAF in August 2007 under their organisations ie HSS (Hindu Sevai Sangam) and an organisation loosely named Makkal Sakti.
This event that was organised deliberately in the Permatang Pauh Constituency where there the Ex deputy Prime Minister is contesting in a by-election next Tuesday. By using the name Makkal sakti both ramaji and Regu had expected a huge crowd to bolster their grip on HINDRAF by the Prime Minister personally attending their Maha Yagam which was organised in a Chinese Temple (1st time of its kind) and entertained by a local famous pop band group.
I urge all HINDRAF supporters to remain calm during this crucial moment and urge all look out for news in our website www.hindraf.org and www.hindraf.co.uk for the latest news.
As the Chairman of this organisation I take full responsibility for the damage caused to the divine struggle of this organisation and extend my sincere apologies to all our supporters. Let us all unite to fight the betrayers within us who are up for selfish gain and to break the unity that never was seen prior to this within our community over the last 51 years.
May the blessings of the almighty be showered upon us on this crucial period and I seek his guidance to take me in the right path.
P.Waytha MoorthyChairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London
Waytha@hotmail.com
BRIEF PRESS STATEMENT 23RD AUGUST 2008-08
RE: ISA DETAINEE VASANTHAKUMAR A SPECIAL BRANCH PLANTRAMACHANDRAN MEYAPPAN & V.K.REGU HAVE BEEN RECRUITED ASGOVERNMENT AGENTS TO BETRAY HINDRAF CAUSE.
ISA detainee Vasanthakumar had volunteered to join HINDRAF in September 2007 and according to him at that time he was “waiting for someone to do something drastic” and the fact that I had filed an action against the UK Government attracted him to join HINDRAF. He had then served as a volunteer and I offered him to undertake the post of pro tem treasurer.
It came to my attention in January 2008 that Vasanthakumar has been planted by the Police Special Branch to infiltrate HINDRAF and upon further investigations the fact became apparent.
In March 2008 I was informed by two top Government officers on separate occasions confirming Vasanthakumar was assigned to break up HINDRAF lawyers in detention and the organisation from his detention. He had since met with various people from within HINDRAF to break the organization.
V.K.Regu though was a Pro tem Secretary of HINDRAF but was removed personally by me in October 2007 for undertaking activities against the interests of HINDRAF.
Upon the arrest of the 5 I had appointed a 10 member interim committee of which Tanendran was made the National Co-ordinator and Ramachandran Meyappan alias Ramaji was made the Spiritual Advisor of HINDRAF.
Recent events have shown that Ramaji and Regu had made frequent visits to KEMTA prison to meet Vasanthakumar secretly and they had colluded to break up HINDRAF and take over the registration of HINDRAF as an organization.
Ramaji and Regu had various secret and unauthorised meetings with the Prime Ministers Department, the PM’s Private Secretary and top MIC leaders over the last 5 months and I have evidence of this. It is now clear that all their activities thus far is to break up HINDRAF and take over the leadership of HINDRAF together with Vasanthakumar upon his release from ISA
It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Government would approve the registration of HINDRAF as a legitimate organisation but the approval would be handed over to Regu Ramaji and Vasanthakumar and other MIC proxies so that the unity and power that HINDRAF has displayed under the MAKKAL SAKTI would be permanently be damaged and shattered.
I apologize to all HINDRAF supporters for concealing these crucial facts all these while. I did this solely to protect the unity and integrity of HINDRAF and to avoid the breakup of HINDRAF. I sincerely believed that the release of the 5 including Vasanthakumar is of utmost importance for the sake of HINDRAF’S struggle.
What transpired today at Butterworth is a blatant insult to the intelligence of all HINDRAF supporters. Ramaji and Regu had placed various advertisements and news in the local tamil daily over the last few days about gathering 20 000 people for a Yaagam for the release of the 5 HINDRAF and for the promotion of the 18 demands submitted by HINDRAF in August 2007 under their organisations ie HSS (Hindu Sevai Sangam) and an organisation loosely named Makkal Sakti.
This event that was organised deliberately in the Permatang Pauh Constituency where there the Ex deputy Prime Minister is contesting in a by-election next Tuesday. By using the name Makkal sakti both ramaji and Regu had expected a huge crowd to bolster their grip on HINDRAF by the Prime Minister personally attending their Maha Yagam which was organised in a Chinese Temple (1st time of its kind) and entertained by a local famous pop band group.
I urge all HINDRAF supporters to remain calm during this crucial moment and urge all look out for news in our website www.hindraf.org and www.hindraf.co.uk for the latest news.
As the Chairman of this organisation I take full responsibility for the damage caused to the divine struggle of this organisation and extend my sincere apologies to all our supporters. Let us all unite to fight the betrayers within us who are up for selfish gain and to break the unity that never was seen prior to this within our community over the last 51 years.
May the blessings of the almighty be showered upon us on this crucial period and I seek his guidance to take me in the right path.
P.Waytha MoorthyChairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London
Waytha@hotmail.com
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