USJ temple devotees glad police around

SUBANG JAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Devotees of  the  Sri Maha Mariamman  Temple in  USJ 25, Putra Heights near here were much relieved that the police, including Federal Reserve Unit personnel were still around to maintain  calm in the area.

As at 11 pm, Bernama found devotees were still visiting the temple for prayers.

No untoward incidents were reported so far tonight.

A devotee, who wanted to be identified only as Pria, said that she came to the temple to fulfil her religious obligations and pray that there will be no more violent incidents.

“I hope things return to normal, I do not support any form of violence.

“This is a house of worship and everyone must respect that and not cause any trouble,” she told Bernama.

Another devotee, who asked to be named as Kumar, in his 40s, suggested that the temple be closed after 10 pm  so as to prevent a repeat of what happened on Monday and Tuesday.

“On normal days, the temple closes at 10 pm but stays open later than that on special occasions. So it will be a good idea if it does not stay open after 10 pm, perhaps things will be calmer,”he said.

Scores of journalists were still present in the area to cover the latest developments there in the wake of the rioting that took place at the location early Monday and early Tuesday.

Selangor police chief Datuk Mazlan Mansor today said the number of people detained to assist investigations into the riotings  had risen to 30 as compared to 21 yesterday.

The violent incidents left six civilians, a policeman and a firefighter injured, the firefighter critically.

Meanwhile, in KUALA LUMPUR,  MIC deputy president  Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the party was willing to offer legal assistance to those affected by the incidents.

He said the decision was taken taking into consideration the latest developments regarding the violence including the revelation by Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today that people were paid to create chaos at the temple.

"There were devotees who were threatened and injured by  the thugs, there was also destruction of property, There are both criminal and civil cases involved here, we will provide legal aid to those who were affected,”the MP for Tapah told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

-- BERNAMA