Police detained Hindraf founder P. Uthayakumar this morning ahead of a mass protest scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) shopping centre from 9am.
His wife S. Indradevi confirmed with The Malaysian Insider that the former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee was picked up outside his home in Pantai Hillpark at about 7.45am, just as he was about to leave for the protest.
“About seven policemen cornered him the moment he left.
“They took him to the Sentul police station,” she said when contacted.
Indradevi however confirmed that the protest would go on as planned despite Uthayakumar’s arrest.
“Rest assured, we will go on with it. It will not be called off,” she said.
She later added that Hindraf Information Chief S. Jayathas had also been arrested and brought to the Jinjang police station.
The outlawed group is staging a protest this morning to voice Indian outrage over the use of the controversial Interlok novel in schools and against “Umno racism”.
Police gathered as early as 8am outside the KLCC complex, blocking those attempting to gather in the area, especially those garbed in orange clothing.
By 10.30am, some 300 protesters have been arrested according to Indradevi, most of whom were brought to Pulapol.
The Malaysian Insider understands that some journalists were also included in a group, some of whom were involved in a minor scuffle during an attempt to march along Jalan Ampang from the Renaissance Hotel, located about 100 metres away from KLCC.
The group was arrested at various locations as protesters attempted to kick off their march, originally scheduled to end at the Dang Wangi police station.
But under the watchful eyes of hundreds of police officers stationed at various checkpoints across the city, the group later moved their protest outside the Court Hill Sri Ganesar Hindu Temple in Pudu.
Bearing large yellow banners, some 200 protesters yelled “Hapus Interlok!” outside the temple and demanded the release of their Hindu rights leaders.
Earlier at KLCC, One protester, known as Chandran, 45, from Klang, complained to the media that the police were hampering the people’s freedom.
“We are just here to voice out Indian rights. I cannot understand why they cannot even allow us to move freely,” he said.
Upon seeing him speaking to media, a police officer shouted a warning into a voice hailer, ordering the group to disperse within one minute.
Several seconds later, Chandran and three of his companions were detained and taken away in a police van.
Police had earlier warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attending the gathering.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said that no permit had been given for the gathering, and anyone attending would be breaking the law.
The group’s application for a permit had earlier been rejected on grounds that it would jeopardise public safety and order.
