‘Violence and threats’ at Deepavali carnival
Malaysiakini
Nov 13, 2006
Wong Yeen Fern

Nearly a month after a Deepavali carnival at the Batu Caves temple ended, allegations of intimidation and violence have surfaced.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth deputy chief S Manikavasagam said a police report was lodged on Oct 1 regarding the incident.

Also named in the report, lodged with the Selayang police station, was temple committee chairperson R Nadarajah.

According to the opposition leader, the case was not highlighted earlier as the traders involved were afraid to come forward.

Today, only four out of the 25 traders, were present at the press conference.

Organiser ‘slapped’

Relating the incident, Manikavasagam said the traders had set up their stalls via an organiser, identified only as Siva, who acted as a middleman between them and the temple management.

Siva was supposed to collect the rental money amounting to RM2,300 per stall for the 21-day carnival which started on Sept 29.

“However, the stalls were damaged by strong winds on three occasions forcing the traders to request for a reduction in the rental rate,” he said.

According to Manikavasagam, the temple management allegedly disagreed and warned the traders that if they failed to pay, electricity supply would be cut off and customers prevented from entering the area.

He claimed that when the traders were unable to settle the amount, five ‘thugs’ had confronted Siva and verbally abused the traders.

“When Siva tried to negotiate, they slapped him,” said the PKR leader, who expressed disappointment with the temple management’s alleged lack of compassion for the problems faced by the traders.

Nadarajah could not be reached for comment today.