Vickneswari, keep the challenge

A letter to Vickneswary
Source : Email via M'Kini


I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'My husband not a turncoat'. Kindly allow me to share my letter to Vickneswary with your readers.

Dear Vickneswary,

You are a very brave person. From what you have said, I recognise the challenges you are facing. Having been with families of ISA detainees since Operasi Lallang in 1987, I can understand what you are going through. Life takes a 360 degree turn. I am glad you were so forthright in what you said. I believe the Hindraf five are united. The police will use all kinds of dirty tactics to create suspicion, division and fear.

Many people do not understand the anxiety, the pain and the loneliness that ISA does to wives, children and family members. This is the ugly part, the inhumanity in the use of the ISA. This is what makes the oppressor - the suppressive government - succeed in controlling human rights activists like Vasanthakumar and the others. Remember, we are proud of them and the position they took in relation to the rights of the minority Indians.

But most of all do not isolate yourself from others. The Special Branch will come around or make contact, be nice and will sound helpful. But their whole agenda will be to separate you from those who give you support. They will constantly tell you that Vasanthakumar will be released if you cooperate. And this, in short, means give up the struggle of protecting the rights of our people.

The best way to remain strong and true is to become part of the family support group. The children too will have new friends and fun. By sharing with the people affected and with others who support the struggle, you will see yourself transformed. I am sure there is so much potential in you, waiting to explode. Now is the opportunity.

As women, we have a strength that is difficult to measure. And as women, we make the difference to the struggle. Keep the challenge. We are with you and all detained under ISA. This struggle will make us and our children free.

The writer is Tenaganita director.

YennaMike Says : Thank you for the letter and your support...Sis Vick, seen or on seen we are right behind Makkal Sakthi