Hindraf supporters today gathered near the Kamunting detention camp in Taping where the government is holding five of the movement's leaders and freed pigeons to demand their freedom.

The five leaders were detained under the country's controversial Internal Security Act (ISA) that allows for detention without trial last Thursday.

Organisers claimed that at least 2,000 activists took part in the gathering today.

These supporters held prayers in a nearby temple for their early release after police sealed the roads leading to Kamunting detention camp in the northern Perak state, rights campaigner RS Thanenthiran told AFP .

"These people are not terrorists. The government is escaping from the real issue that Indians are marginalised in Malaysia. We demand the immediate release of the detainees," he said, adding that the protest also aimed to rally support for families of the detainees.

"We released 36 pigeons - five for the ISA detainees and 31 for those in prison awaiting Monday's bail application - as a symbol of freedom for all of them," he said, noting there were no arrests despite a heavy security presence.

The 31 Indians were arrested after last month's protest outside the Batu Caves temple, north of the capital Kuala Lumpur. They face an attempted murder charge against a policeman who allegedly suffered head injuries.

Rights group Hindraf, whom Thanenthiran represents, is pushing for an end to discrimination of minority ethnic Indians in multi-racial Malaysia, which is led by the majority Muslim-Malay government.

The organistation enraged the government last month by mustering at least 30,000 people to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to highlight issues including a lack of economic opportunities and the destruction of Hindu temples. Police used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges to break up the protests.

More arrests possible

But the activists' demands seemed unlikely to be heeded as the government vowed more arrests under the ISA in order to maintain security ahead of possible elections early next year.

Mohamad Johari Baharum, deputy internal security minister told AFP that police have compiled a list of people who could be held under the ISA.

"The police have the list of names including some Hindraf members and politicians. Once they have sufficient evidence they will forward the names to the minister in charge of security.

"My advice to those who organise street protests and rumour mongers who circulate text messages -- stop it. If your don't, we will not hesitate to use the ISA," Johari said.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is the minister for internal security, is expected to call an election in the next few months.