Hindraf calls upon the government to drop all charges against the Hindraf supporters who were involved in the peaceful rally that took place before the British High Commission and those arrested in Batu Caves in 2007.

The Hindraf rally was one of a peaceful nature and those Hindraf supporters were used as pawns for the government's selective prosecution.

These Hindraf supporters and their families have suffered enough for showing their support in addressing the grievances of the Indian Malaysians.

The Hindraf rally on 25 November 2007 was one for just and fair causes and within the sphere of the federal constitution that is embedded in Article 10 (1) which guarantees to every Malaysian citizen freedom of speech, the right to assemble peacefully and the right to form associations.

The government must recognise and acknowledge that in using fear and intimidation to supress genuine struggles that are peaceful in nature will only further alienate the people from the government.

The Hindraf supporters who were charged were law-abiding citizens exercising their birth right for a genuine cause.

Hindraf's paramount importance is to the people and their grievances and subjecting these Hindraf supporters to selective prosecution will only further agitate the public.

As such, the government should heed the call of Hindraf and drop all pending charges against them as soon as possible.

The writer is chairperson, Hindraf.