Supporters throng Bt Caves for Uthaya's hair offering

Some 3,000 people thronged the Batu Caves temple in Kuala Lumpur to witness Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Uthayakumar shave his beard and snip off his long locks in an offering of gratitude for his release.

MCPX

Supporters gathered at the riverbank near the temple as early as 8.30am hoping to catch a glimpse of the activist.

About 50 people, including children, also shaved their heads in support of the lawyer who was recently freed from detention under the Internal Security Act.

Uthayakumar, who arrived at about 10.30am, was given a hero's welcome accompanied by energetic drums beats.

An hour later, the leader of the now-banned Hindraf movement got his hair-cut and shave.

The supporters, who came from as far as Johor, Kedah and Penang, then carried Uthayakumar on their shoulders and marched from the riverbank to the Sri Subramaniam temple.

They also chanted 'Valga Uthayakumar' (Long Live Uthayakumar) and 'Valga Hindraf'. Posters, T-shirts and badges bearing the Hindraf leader’s face were also on sale.

Every step of the way, Uthayakumar was greeted by more supporters, who shook his hands and hugged him.

Earlier, Puchong (DAP) MP Gobind Singh, who was present, described Uthayakumar as an "icon of Malaysia." Also there to lend support was Kapar (PKR) MP S Manikavasagam and Hindraf lawyer N Surendran (photo below).

Police presence was at a minimal although the massive crowd which swelled to about 3,000 by noon, brought traffic to a standstill at the narrow roads which lead to the temple.

Uthayakumar was among the five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA in Dec 2007 after staging a massive street rally.

All of them have since been released upon the orders of newly minted prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

'Verdict of the people speaks for itself'

At about 1pm, a clean-shaven Uthayakumar, accompanied by his family, walked up the 272-steps leading to the main shrine in the temple complex. He was flanked by former Hindraf coordinators S Jayathas and K Selvam as well as other ardent supporters.

K Shanthi, the wife of Uthayakumar's younger brother Waythamoorthy, carried a 'paal kudam' (milk pot) and their daughter, Vwaishhnnavi, carried a 'vel' (spear) as offerings.

"This is my first public function after my 514 days of incarceration... I have been unlawfully and unconstitutionally detained without trial," said Uthayakumar after descending the steps.

"I have been falsely accused of having links with terrorists but today the verdict of the people speaks for itself," he said referring to the mass turnout.

"I am no Mahatma Gandhi, I am no Nelson Mandela and I am no Martin Luther King, but it is the genuine grievances of the people which had brought about the Nov 25, 2007 protest.

"I am a free man, Article 5 of the Federal Constitution says that no person may be deprived of life or personal liberty save in accordance with law... I did not sign the conditions of my release," he said, when asked if he would be going to the Kamunting detention camp on Tuesday to appear before the ISA advisory board.

He said the conditions had prevented the other four Hindraf leaders from appearing before the gathering today as there is a prohibition on speaking at public events.

On the issue of political affiliations, Uthayakumar said: "We don't know yet. As for now we are not going to join anyone."

"We are getting feedback from the people, and next month we are having a gathering and we hope to announce our plans,” he added, declining to elaborate further.

Quizzed on his plans for the future, Uthayakumar said: "Our forward plan will be based on democratic principles... (it will be) something that has not been done for the past 52 years and we hope to implement it after speaking to supporters and well-wishers."

Uthayakumar also said that the offerings made today were in recognition of all those who joined the Makkal Sakthi movement.

"They were beaten, exposed to tear-gas and there were two who died, some lost their jobs and some saw their families breaking up and yet they stood by me," he said drawing cheers from the crowd.

He also told reporters that his brother Waythamoorthy, who is in London on self-exile, will be joining him soon.

"He is hoping to come back early next month... he is not frightened of being imprisoned," he added.

Addressing his supporters from a makeshift podium, Uthayakumar recounted his days in detention and the 'mental torture' he endured.

He also warned them of those who were trying to create disharmony and internal disputes to break up Hindraf.