(Video) Muslim NGOs and supporters of Ramasamy gather at Komtar

GEORGE TOWN: Police deployed its light strike force units to quell any potential unrest after two groups of protesters descended on Komtar here to either protest or support embattled Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy.
The police personnel together with plainclothes officers and scores of Special Branch operatives drew a buffer zone between the two rival groups - in the first major protest the state has seen since the last general election.
The rival protesters booed and jeered at each other.
Earlier, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told a press conference that freedom of assembly should be allowed but both sides must abide by the existing regulations and they must also respect the police.
Northeast district police head ACP Anuar Omar was also on hand to ensure the protest was conducted smoothly and 30 - minutes later, the crowd dispersed.
Protesters from Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs), condemned Ramasamy for insisting that India - born Muslim preacher Zakir Naik be extradited back to India as he is wanted by the government there.
His insistence has led to the Muslim NGOs calling for Ramasamy to be investigated for alleged ties to the Free Acheh Movement and the Tamil Tigers, whom they had labelled as terrorist organisations.
As some 100 people gathered to participate, Malaysian Tamilar Kural president David Marshel accused the Muslim NGOs of making false allegations against Ramasamy and said he suspects that it could be a tactic to divert attention from the issues concerning Zakir, who was known to be a preacher, who has uttered several contentious religious allegations.
Later, Anuar said that none of the protesters had applied for permits to assemble under the Peaceful Assembly Act so the police may need to record statements from the organisers.
A total of 52 reports have been lodged against Ramasamy by the Muslim NGOs.
Watch the video here: