Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct. 18 (ANI): Deepavali celebrations in the “Little India” area of the Malaysian city of Ipoh have been launched with cultural performances and dances.

The ten-day-long festivities began on Thursday night, reports The Star.

The launch was marked by a touch of politics as a nationwide call was made for lifting the ban on the HINDRAF movement.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who launched the celebrations, condemned the ban.

“Deepavali is supposed to be a time of great hope and jubilation, but this year, it will be a somber one,” he said in his speech.

There had been a tussle between the state government and Ipoh Barat MIC over who would organize the celebrations in Little India. Perak state executive councillor A. Sivanesan has had a verbal war with Perak MIC chief G. Rajoo over the matter.

Rajoo was barred from organising this year’s celebration al­though his division had organized the event for the past 16 years. (ANI)