KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16: The disabled Hindu devotees are saddened as they will not be able to fulfil their vows on Thaipusam, which will be celebrated by the ethnics on Friday.
Damai Disabled Persons Association president V. Murugeswaran, in a statement said that it was due to the Batu Caves Murugan temple not being disabled-friendly.
“Most of the devotees have, at this point of time, fulfilled their vows.
“But a disabled devotee like me, and others with similar predicaments are not able to participate due to the lack of suitable facilities at Batu Caves,” he said.
Murugeswaran said that the disabled communities, especially the association members, have for the past 10 years advocated the need to have a cable car service there to cater to disabled devotees.
“It will not only benefit the physically challenged, but also senior citizens.
“In earlier years, we had urged the temple management to revive the cable car service.
Several years later, he said, the temple management made an announcement to revive it.
“I was delighted,” Murugeswaran said.
However, its construction was halted as the Selayang Municipal Council had issued a stop-work order for alleged failure of the temple management to obtain relevant approval before commencing work, said Murugeswaran.
“I sincerely hope all parties involved will set aside their differences and concentrate on completing the cable car project.
He said that the disabled Hindu community in this country had waited too long for an opportunity to fulfil their vows and seek Lord Murugan’s blessing during Thaipusam and also during normal days.
“It is the temple management’s responsibility to find a positive resolution with the council to ensure the project is completed without further delay.
“I hope next year I will be able to write about my experience of participating in this auspicious religious celebration and the closure for having fulfilled my vows,” Murugeswaran said. – TMT
