Deepavali launched in Little India' area of Malaysian city

Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct.18 : Deepavali celebrations in the "Little India" area of the Malaysian city of Ipoh have been launched with cultural performances and dances.

The ten-day-long festivities began on Thursday night, reports The Star.

The launch was marked by a touch of politics as a nationwide call was made for lifting the ban on the HINDRAF movement.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who launched the celebrations, condemned the ban.

"Deepavali is supposed to be a time of great hope and jubilation, but this year, it will be a somber one," he said in his speech.

There had been a tussle between the state government and Ipoh Barat MIC over who would organize the celebrations in Little India.

Perak state executive councillor A. Sivanesan has had a verbal war with Perak MIC chief G. Rajoo over the matter.

Rajoo was barred from organising this year's celebration although his division had organized the event for the past 16 years.

ANI