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Saturday 9 May 2009

Hindraf trio freed!!!!!!!!!!!! - Malaysiakini

The three remaining Hindraf leaders - P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan and T Vasanthakumar - have been released from the Kamunting Detention Camp this afternoon.
MCPX

Vasanthakumar, who is organising secretary of the outlawed movement, was first to emerge from the camp.

hindraf kamunting prayer 161207 entranceHe was seen being transferred from a prison van which came out from the camp at 2.05pm into an unmarked Proton Waja. The car then headed for Kuala Lumpur - a three-hour journey.

About half an hour later, Manoharan was also seen leaving the camp in another unmarked Proton Waja.

He was greeted with boisterous shouts of "Makkal Sakthi" (people's power) from a small group of Hindraf supporters outside the camp.

At 2.55pm, Uthayakumar appeared and is currently holding a press conference at the gate of the detention camp.

He is expected to leave for Kuala Lumpur in a third unmarked Proton Waja, which is waiting outside the camp.

It is learnt that the release of the trio are subject to five conditions, including not being allowed to speak at public functions.

hindraf isa detainee r kenghadharan and v ganabatirau released 060409About 30 people were outside the camp to welcome the detainees, who were released from their Internal Security Act detention after 18 months behind bars.

The Hindraf 5 were detained in December 2007 after mounting a massive street protest which saw tens of thousands of Indian Malaysians taking to the streets.

The release of the trio will remove a thorn in the side of new Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is trying to promote his reform credentials.

Hours after taking the reins in April, Najib ordered the release of 13 ISA detainees, including Hindraf leaders V Ganabatirau and R Kengadharan.

Last week, one of the three detainee Manoharan, who state assemblyperson for Kota Alam Shah in Selangor, has threatened to quit from his seat.

Manoharan had won the state seat in the last year's general election while being detained in Kamunting.

Manoharan, in his statement last week, expressed his frustration for not being able to serve his constituents physically and personally ever since he was elected as a state representative last general election.

"I am sure he will reconsider his decision ... (but), let it come from him," said his wife, Pushpaneela.

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