Vaiko writes to Indian PM on Case of Malay Tamils

by Special Correspondent in Chennai

(December, 15, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) MDMK general secretary Vaiko has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to use diplomatic channels to secure the release of ethnic Indians in Malaysia.

They were reportedly arrested by the Malaysian government in connection with the recent protests organised by them in Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement in Chennai on Friday, he said majority of Indian immigrants in Malaysia were Tamils and their rights should be protected. India should use its diplomatic channels and take immediate steps to secure their release, he stressed.

Vaiko said several leaders, spearheading the agitation of ethnic Indians demanding their rights, had been arrested under the Internal Security Act.

Without considering their demands, the Malaysian government had been issuing warnings to the Indians, he said.