This Article is From Apr 07, 2009

Restrictions on freed Hindraf activists

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian government has imposed strict restrictions on the movement of the two ethnic Indian activists of Hindu rights group Hindraf, released after a year of detention under the country's tough internal security law.

Authorities said on Monday that the activists of the Hindu Rights Action Force will have to remain in their respective towns and be home by 7 pm everyday.

The two -- V Ganabatirau and R Kengadharan -- have also been told not to speak to the press.

"These restrictions are routine for those who are released early," Home minister Syed Hamid said, adding the two were due to be released on December 13 this year.

"But since we released them earlier, the restrictions will be in place till 13th December," he said.

The two, along with three of their colleagues, were detained under the Interior Security Act on December 13, 2007 for organising a massive rally of ethnic Indians against alleged mariginalisation of their community. The detention under ISA can be for two years without trial.

Ganabatirau will not be allowed to leave the Shah Alam area while Kengadharan will have to stay in Petaling Jaya. The two will also have to report at police station every Monday.

Reacting to the move, Opposition DAP's Lim Kit Siang asked the authorities to lift the restrictions.
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