Hindraf assembly: Police action if no permit

(Bernama) – The police will take the necessary action regarding the Hindu Rights Action Force's (Hindraf) plan to hold a street ssembly in the city in mid-June.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said such an assembly required a permit from the police.

"For us (police) the assembly must have a valid permit. Without it we will treat the assembly as illegal and action will be taken," he told reporters before making a visit to the construction site of Bukit Aman's Logistics and Public Order Complex with Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, here today.

Regarding Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar's refusal to return to the Kamunting Detention Camp tomorrow despite being served a notice from the police, Ismail said they would take action against him.

"We will see the developments (Uthayakumar) and police will take appropriate action following the existing laws," he said.

It was reported today that Hindraf planned to hold a street demonstration in mid-June somewhere in the city.

Yesterday, some 2,000 Hindraf supporters attended a prayer ceremony at the Batu Caves Temple to show thanks for Uthayakumar's release from ISA (Internal Security Act) detention a week ago.

On 9 May, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein released 13 ISA detainees including three Hindraf leaders, Alam Shah state assemblyperson  M Manoharan, 48, Uthayakumar, 47, and K Vasantha Kumar, 36, all of whom had been detained since December 2007.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said at a different function that there is no arrest order out for Uthayakumar.

He said that as far as he knew, the Hindraf leader was only required to be present at the Kamunting detention centre tomorrow to face the advisory panel that meets every six months.