Hindu Sangam urges calm in wake of violence at temple

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has urged Hindus to remain calm and not to retaliate with any form of violence in the wake of the temple scuffle early Monday (Nov 26).

Its president Datuk RS Mohan Shan said MHS will lodge a report with the Inspector-General of Police seeking immediate action.

He urged Hindus, temples, and Hindu non-governmental organisations nationwide to also lodge police reports.

In a statement Monday, Mohan strongly condemned the violence at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Seafield, Subang Jaya, and urged the police to bring those responsible to justice.

He said a group of 100 unknown men had forcefully entered the temple and staged a riot, attacking devotees.

“They also held five devotees as hostage in the temple for more than two hours,” he claimed.

On the relocation of the temple, Mohan said the discussion between the Selangor government and the developer was still pending.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Mazlan said that the violence that broke out at the more than 100-year-old temple was a result of a misunderstanding between two rival groups and was not racial in nature.

The incident, which occurred at about 2am on Monday, saw 18 cars and two motorcycles burnt.

It was believed to have happened following a scuffle between the rival groups on the site over the relocation of the temple.

Seven men have been arrested over the incident.