Hindraf leaders to reorganize banned group

Petaling Jaya, Apr. 18 (ANI): Leaders of Malaysia's Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) have agreed to reorganize the banned organization.

However, they are at loggerheads as to whether it should be transformed into a political party.

In a bid to bring the movement forward, Hindraf's self-exiled chairman P. Waythamoorthy suspended his ten national and state coordinators.

"We are just moving on to the next stage by re-strategizing and re-energizing ourselves for the next general election," said Waythamoorthy from London.

In a press statement, Waythamoorthy said Hindraf was suspending its coordinators with immediate effect.

The coordinators were also barred from making statements on behalf of Hindraf.

He said working committees would be set-up to look into the many issues that needed addressing.

"A new committee of volunteers and working groups will be set-up nationwide to meet the needs of the Indian community after consultations with the grass roots supporters of Hindraf/Makkal Sakthi," the Star Online quoted him, as saying.

R. Thanenthiran, who was a national coordinator until Waytha- moorthy issued the suspension order, said the movement was now taking steps to become a formal political party.

"Since Hindraf was banned, we have been facing difficulties and we need to continue being mobile to take care of the welfare of the Indian community," he said, adding that it would be the alternative to existing Indian parties.

The leaders within the party, however, are at loggerheads as to whether it should be transformed into a political party. (ANI)