Hindraf wants ISA abolished and leader given treatment

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters held nationwide protests on Sunday to call for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), the freeing of ISA detainees and for detained Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar to have proper medical treatment for his heart condition.

In Penang, seven activists were arrested at the police district headquarters in Patani Road.

Bloggers Sathis Kumar, 27, and Ong Boon Keong, 48, were picked up in front of the Gurney Plaza shopping complex on Gurney Drive.

Loud protests: Subang MP R. Sivarasa (second from right) and Hindraf members demonstrating at the KLCC Sunday.

Suaram Penang’s Lau Shu Shi and Teh Chun Hong were among those arrested at about 3pm for obstructing police from carrying out their duty.

Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA’s (GMI) Sudhagaran Stanley, 23, and two others from Makkal Sakti, were arrested about half an hour later after the police finished recording their statements on the illegal assembly.

At 7pm five of them were released on police bail.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said he was informed at 11.10am Sunday that about 30 people were taking part in an assembly without a permitnear the Gurney Drive roundabout, and he directed his men to disperse the group.

He said the group initially agreed to disband but tried to gather again in front of the shopping complex about 100m away.

Hindraf co-ordinator R.S. Thanenthiran said the demonstration would be held every Sunday until Uthayakumar was referred to hospital for treatment.

In Butterworth, Hindraf supporters staged a peaceful demonstration.

In Kuala Lumpur, Hindraf supporters gathered outside Suria KLCC yesterday. Also present was Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-chairman and Subang MP S. Sivarasa.

In Johor Baru, supporters carried a banner and placards along Jalan Ungku Puan at 11am.

In Ipoh, Hindraf supporters gathered at Ipoh Garden South but dispersed five minutes later.

In Seremban, about 60 Hindraf supporters gathered near the Terminal 1 bus station along Jln Sg Ujong.

Uthayakumar’s wife, K Shanti led the peaceful demonstration. Also present were Port Dickson assemblyman M. Ravi and Senawang assemblyman P. Gunasekaren.

Star Online