Glowing praise for police after handling security in Batu Caves well

BATU CAVES: It was thumbs-up for the police force who ensured that the Thaipusam festival went with no untoward incidences nationwide.
Devotees and visitors to Batu Caves and other temples in several states were able to move around freely and perform their vows and prayers without having to worry unduly about their personal safety and threat to life.
MIC president, Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said, the police earned another feather to their cap for their subtle approach in managing the security at temples around the country.
"The Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves can be considered as one of the most unique celebration in our country and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Inspector-General of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on deploying additional police personnel on the ground to ensure the safety of the public, devotees and tourists," he said here today.
Following the recent terror attacks in Jakarta, Dr Subramaniam said, the public were a bit apprehensive although they had to accept the reality of possible terrorist threat.
However, he added, all went smooth with no major untoward incidences reported.
Dr Subramaniam also called on the relevant authorities to take proactive measures to ensure safety and security of Hindu devotees making Thaipusam pilgrimage.
"I hope the police and traffic personnel will escort these devotees through their pilgrimage journey to avert being victims of road accidents. Their safety is very important," he said adding that security should also be beefed up for other festive celebrations.
He said this in response to the accident which claimed the lives of three devotees and another three sustaining serious injuries along the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway on Saturday morning.
On a separate matter, Subramaniam also pointed out that MIC hopes that the government will soon approve the temple cable car project in Batu Caves to help those who are elderly and disabled to fulfill their vows.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak had stressed the need for Batu Caves to be developed as an Indian Cultural Center.
Dr Subramaniam said he will give his support and cooperation with the temple committee to fulfill the goal.
Meanwhile, Thaipusam festival in Sri Subramaniam Temple here was celebrated with jubilation and enthusiasm in the presence of 1.4 million Hindu devotees and tourists.
"Thaipusam has become a tourist attraction and people from many parts of the world come to observe and partake in the festivity," he added.
The Thaipusam is celebrated yearly to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan defeating the Surapadman devil.
Dr Subramaniam was accompanied by his deputy president, Datuk S.K.Devamany, vice-president Datuk M.Saravanan, temple chairman Tan Sri R.Nadarajah and former MIC supremo Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu to partake in the celebration.