Hindraf supporters to go on hunger strike

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters will stage a hunger strike beginning Saturday at an event to commemorate the first anniversary of detention of five of its leaders under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The banned movement's coordinator S Jayathas told reporters today that the hunger strike - to be participated by about a dozen of people - "will last as long as it takes to make the government listen".

He said the strike was not suggested by Hindraf leaders but a voluntary move on the part of the supporters.

"These people want to see some changes and they have come forward, and will carry on doing so until the government listens to the plight of the minority Indians," he said.

"It has been one year since the leaders were detained for their so-called involvement with the Tamil Tigers (Sri Lankan armed separatist group) but until today there is no proof of this.

"More recently, (others) have been released from detention, but why is the government still holding the Hindraf leaders who were fighting for the rights of the minority Indians?"

Yesterday, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said six ISA detainees have been released including Yazid Sufaat who was accused of housing several suspects linked to the Sept 11 terror attacks.

Jointly organised by PAS

Jayathas said the hunger strike will be staged at a temple in Shah Alam where a forum will also be held.

The event is jointly organised by PAS and will be attended by PKR vice- president Syed Husin Ali, blogger and former ISA detainee Raja Petra Kamarudin, DAP MP Gobind Singh Deo, Bukit Raja PAS MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud and the wives of the Hindraf Five.

According to a leaflet on the event, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim may be present. Self-exiled Hindraf leader P Waythamoorthy is expected to give a speech from London via a 'live' video feed.

A message from Uthayakumar, a detained Hindraf leader and the brother of Waythamoorthy, will also be delivered.

Uthayakumar and four others were arrested on Dec 13 last year for allegedly carrying out activities that threatened national security.

The others detained are M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau and organising secretary T Vasantha Kumar.

Prior to their arrest, Hindraf had organised a massive protest which saw some 30,000 people taking to the streets in Kuala Lumpur.