Author: PTI
Publication: The Times of India
Date: September 6, 2009
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/world/indians-abroad/16-ethnic-Indians-held-in-Malaysia-for-illegal-protest/articleshow/4978458.cms
Sixteen ethnic Indian community members, including
an Hindraf member, were on Sunday arrested for taking part in an illegal gathering
here to protest against an incident which hurt their sentiments.
Police arrested the 16 people who were among
those who tried to hold a candlelight vigil at the Independence Square here
to protest against the act by a group during a protest over the relocation
of a 150-year-old Hindu temple to a Muslim-majority neighbourhood.
P Uthayakumar of the Hindraf, who was detained
under the controversial Internal Security Act for more than a year and released
recently, was among those who were arrested for holding the protest without
permission.
Police said the protesters were carrying banners
and roses and had refused to disperse when asked them to do so. "Those
arrested were held at the Dang Wangi police headquaters," police said.
Meanwhile, youth wing of the Malaysian Indian
Congress has demanded that former chief minister of Selangor state Mohd Khir
Toyo retract his comments on the incident.
MIC social and welfare bureau chief S Subramaniam
said the comments were insulting to Hindus and warned Khir's comments could
further damage the ruling BNP's image.
"He must immediately retract his statement
and issue a public apology," said Subramaniam, who has also lodged a
police report on the matter.
