Hindraf: Four Hindu temples demolished in a week

(Malaysiakini) Four Hindu temples have been demolished in a span of one week, claims Hindu rights movement Hindraf.

They are the Om Sreee Kaliamman Hindu Temple at Batu Pekaka in Kedah, the Om Sreee Kaliamman temple and another unnamed temple, both located in Kapar, and the Sri Muneswarer temple in Kuala Lumpur.

When contacted, the movement’s political body Human Rights Party (HRP) information chief S Jayathas said the demolition occurred between 23 and 27 of this month.

“We are not making this up, they are all reported in Makkal Osai and Tamil Namban,” he said.

The most recent complaint, he said, was the demolition of Sri Muneswarer temple by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) “in collaboration” with its private landowner at Segambut Aman, Kuala Lumpur, “on or about” Dec 27.

Even though the temple sits on a private land, Hindraf has questioned DBKL’s involvement, pointing out that a High Court order is required for any demolition of the 55-year-old structure.

The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), Jayathas said, must investigate the alleged “abuse of power” by DBKL.

Devotees of the temple have lodged a police report on the same day of the demolition.

According to the devotees’ police report, “Hindu deities were smashed to pieces using sledge hammers, in contravention of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution”.

Hindraf is demanding that the land on which the temple was previously sited be acquired and two acres of the land be granted for the temple to be permanently located.

It is also demanding that action be taken against DBKL enforcement officers responsible for the demolition of the temple, on top of a RM1 million compensation.