I refer to the report No helping hand from Hindraf, says detainee’s wife.

The wife of ISA detainee and Hindu Rights Action Force coordinator K Vasantha Kumar seems oblivious to the fact that all the Hindraf wives and families are very much in the same shoes as her, some even worse with their elderly parents seriously ill and others having to close down their legal firms.

Vickneswary doesn’t seem to understand that all the families were left in a lurch and are suffering just like her. This applies to the Hindraf 5 and all ISA detainees. This is the cruelty of the ISA. Every wife travels the six hundred kilometers on their own, to their husbands.

What is this attitude of some of the wives waiting for those from Hindraf to visit them and keep them informed? There is a lack of communication between some of the wives and Hindraf, however, it must be remembered the circumstances and events that contributed to this division.

Was it due to some of these wives’ preference to make their own secret dealings with government officials and politicians for the release of their husbands? Why was Hindraf or its coordinators never informed of the purpose of these so-called ‘secret’ meetings and appeals?

Despite this Hindraf made no comments and preferred to be of the opinion that it was the individuals’ right to pursue the matter in whichever manner they chose. However, ties were severed.

Hindraf has and is still openly fighting for the release of all the ISA detainees. Further, Hindraf - as it had before Nov 25 - is still continuously fighting for the rights of the Indians. Day after day its chairperson Waythamoorthy the coordinators and supporters are constantly fighting for the Indians.

Everyone knows, it is Hindraf that brought about the changes in this country today. You only have to flip through the papers and surf the Internet to see the amount of work still being done.

What may I ask are these wives’ contribution in this continuous struggle for the Indians?

As to the lack of financial assistance, all the wives individually received some sort of financial aid directly from the persons/individuals/groups giving it. Although the money was given to the individual wives, it was given in spirit because of Hindraf.

So whatever money you received, it was from Hindraf. Please do not expect a cheque signed by Waythamoorthy at your door step. The Hindraf struggle is a struggle from the heart - it has no monetary value.

We know of all the financial assistance you have received, right up from the Al-Jazeera collection, the donations from temples and well-wishers up to KP Samy’s contribution. It would be totally unappreciative for you to now say you did not receive any.

Ask Mr Raidu, he would have more knowledge in this matter.

My serious advice to the concerned wives would be to stop listening to the ill advice of some who are keen to cause a division in Hindraf. The struggle for the Indians by Hindraf will carry on regardless of those who betray it.

Some Hindraf wives, their children, mothers, siblings, families, friends, coordinators, supporters and many others are still at the front-line of this struggle and continuously doing the job.

Sitting back, depressed, complaining and blaming others is not going to do you any good. Making such remarks and statements to the press is not damaging to Hindraf but rather to yourself and your husband.

You are a Hindraf 5 wife, be proud of it but most of all ACT it!