Salute the 30,000 brave protesters

After the arrest of Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy on Friday, I was on SMS communication with him.

In one, I had asked him about who would be leading the protesters on Sunday since all Hindraf leaders were addressed.

He told me: "Let’s see how Makkal Sakthi (Power of the People) works now."

And man did it work in a spectacular manner this morning.

Some 30,000 Indians gathered around the Jalan Ampang area for about six hours, playing a fearless game with the police.

They faced chemical-laced water cannons, tear gas and police bashing stoutly, coming back with a bigger and braver wave every time they had come under attack.

Today was a turning point to the Indian psyche. After being sidelined and kept down for so long, they decided to come out to protest today.

It was more like a matter of life and death for them. They have had enough of the third-class treatment.

Their defiant stand would have sent a strong message to the rulers today - temple demolitions are not something that should be taken lightly, Indians are NOT underclass in any case.

People came on their own today, wanting to express their disappointment. They braved police blocks, police assaults and court orders.

They just want to be part of the protest. We must salute these brave Indians for finally taking the stand.

At the same time, credit must go to Hindraf too for making this possible.

I suppose the foot shouldn’t be taken off the brake now. The next step should perhaps be the home of our great leader!