I refer to the Malaysiakini report ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed

Dr M Kalaivani and B Buvaneswary, the wives of K Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau have claimed that the struggle of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is different now compared to when it started and that they were not comfortable with the direction in which the movement has taken.

The above statement comes from one who self admittedly says she was never involved in the Hindraf struggle. It also comes from the Hindraf wife who was the least seen to have participated in events organised by Hindraf after Nov 25 but sadly and suddenly decides to make an appearance and now comments on the direction Hindraf has taken.

Dr Kalaivani further states that aside from the goal of obtaining the release of the Hindraf leaders, the utmost importance is that the Indian community's problems are alleviated and that both these goals can be affected without rallies planned by those now co-ordinating Hindraf activities.

Since you clearly state that you were never involved with Hindraf, it is not expected of you to be acquainted with, or understand the Hindraf struggle, its aspirations, its demands, its plans or the enormous works done and still being carried out to alleviate the problems faced by Indians.

Your ignorance of Hindraf’s history, the ensuing rally that changed Malaysia and the loads of work being carried out in the name of justice, fairness and equality for Indians forbids you from issuing any statement or opinion on the directions of Hindraf. These are reserved exclusively for those who have participated either directly or indirectly in the struggle to obtain the 18 point demands which are so basic yet crucial to deprived Indians.

Dr Kalaivani and Mrs Buvaneswary, if you disapprove of rallies you should disapprove of all rallies and not just those not organised by your husbands. As for Mrs Buvaneswary who contends that the rallies organised after the detention of the Hindraf 5 had deviated into becoming 'anti-government' rallies, well the Nov 25th 2007 rally was equally described as the mother of all rallies and equally ‘anti-government’ of which your husband Mr Ganabatirau was very much part of and paying a price for now.

It is hypocritical of him (or yourself ) to now call for an end to such rallies, when he was amongst those who taught the entire nation how to take its plight to the streets. You are also doing disservice to the 10,000 odd people who gathered at the candle light vigil/march on September 27 to show solidarity against ISA.

It is a fact that in any civil society that practices true democracy, rallies are a norm and a healthy way for society to voice or show their grievances as opposed to suppression and oppression. It is quite often the case here that the police would assist such rallies and those in government would take heed of such grievances. Article 10 of the Federal Constitution states clearly our rights to demonstrate peacefully.

As to the learned Dr Kalaivani’s view’s that Hindraf’s plan to gather 10,000 people at PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Hari Raya open house is ‘intimidation’, I suggest that she reads thoroughly the detailed explanation by Hindraf chairman P Waytha Moorthy (currently in London) in his article entitled “Are you prepared to be part of the neo passive democratisation, Revolution”. In this article, Waytha Moorthy clearly explains the rationale and basis of the visit to the prime minister which is far from Dr Kalaivani’s view of intimidation.

On whether or not Dr Kalaivani supports her husband or Hindraf the decision is entirely hers. However, the support or rather the lack of it, of someone remote to the movement is not detrimental to it. The support comes in the form of a burning desire nestled deep in the hearts of many who want to bring about changes. That alone is enough.

Curiosity begs the question on what other ways Dr Kalaivani proposes to help the Indian community that have not already been attempted by Hindraf. It would be interesting to know how the doctor would deal with religious extremism by some who invade, disregard and intrude into the beliefs of others, or a solution to racist policies and discrimination that trample on the very basic rights of many, especially Indians , or resolve the scores of injustices, unfairness and inequality that take place day after day in areas of education, civil services, opportunities, etc.

Pray do let us know if you are able to come up with other definite ways of resolving these issues. Let us know how you would persuade an otherwise ignorant and arrogant government into acknowledging and alleviating the current plight of the Indians. Please be reminded that in your approach to the above, the Indians will no longer take peanuts but only settle for nothing less than wholesome permanent solutions which they believe are within their very basic rights as citizens of this country.

Why are Samy Vellu’s efforts so appreciated ? Why so much gratitude to the person many see as the root cause of the problems plaguing the Indians today and the person who at times, openly justified ISA detention alongside the PM and who has many unanswered questions hanging over his head?

Why is appreciation and gratitude not expressed to Hindraf, it’s co-ordinators and supporters who have and are genuinely fighting for the release of your husbands?

As for thanking the government for having looked after your husband, I guess you are equally thankful to the government for detaining well respected lawyers (including your husband ) for merely championing the rights of those marginalised and discriminated under the cruel and draconian ISA.

You must also be thankful to the government for forcing human rights lawyers to be attired in the same washed-out and torn prison clothes day after day when they are used to suits and ties. Come on doctor, surely you know better!

In your eagerness for the return of your husbands (God willing that they do come home to you soon) there is no need to undermine, tarnish or disrepute the very same movement and principles they stood for, not so long ago.

Vaalga Hindraf! May it persevere and overcome all turbulence and turmoil.