SINGAPORE, Feb 13 — Apart from the three men who are being investigated for disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer during the Thaipusam procession on February 3, another person was arrested for possession of offensive weapons, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

In 2013, nine people were arrested after they were observed to be shouting secret society slogans, and playing drums within the procession route despite being advised not to do so.

The MHA cited these as instances in recent times where individuals had refused to heed the police’s advice and warnings during the Thaipusam procession, in a statement issued today (February 13) addressing the rules of the procession and challenges in maintaining law and order.

The MHA said various individuals, including one of the three men who have been charged in court, had made allegations online regarding what had taken place during the February 3 procession.

“These matters are under investigation, and the truth will be ascertained in court. Similarly, the allegation by a woman of being pushed by police officers is being investigated by police’s Internal Affairs Office. We should allow the investigations to take their course,” said the MHA.

“There have also been misrepresentations and rumours online and offline regarding the Thaipusam procession. If such activities are deemed to incite enmity between different communities and races, the police will investigate and take firm action against anyone responsible for such offences,” the ministry warned.

Highlighting the “unique challenges” the procession presents for maintaining law and order, the MHA noted that each year, about 9,000 to 10,000 devotees carry kavadis or paalkudams (milk pots), and thousands also walk with the devotees in the procession. Stretching over 26 hours, the 3km route passes through major roads in the heart of the city, with some road closures.

Noting that the “vast majority” of devotees and their supporters have complied with the rules, the ministry outlined the steps taken when a breach is detected — the temple marshals would first advise the participant, but if the latter ignores the marshal or is unruly, the police would intervene.

On the ban on playing musical instruments along the route, the ministry said this was introduced in 1973 because of a history of rivalry and fights between competing groups. “The playing of musical instruments also slows down the pace of the procession, sometimes causing friction between participants, which in turn could lead to public order issues and disruption to other members of public,” said the MHA.

The ban applies to all religious foot processions, but musical instruments have been allowed at events that do not involve foot processions including at social, cultural and community events. “The scale, duration, and nature of these events are very different from Thaipusam, and they pose smaller law and order risks,” said the ministry.

In a separate statement issued today, the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) noted that it has, over the years, received complaints of disamenities and disorderly behaviour that impede the progress of devotees in the procession and detract from the spiritual experience. “There will always be challenges in managing a procession of the scale of Thaipusam,” said the HEB.

Still, it clarified that it has never sought to tighten regulations for the procession, saying it “does not believe that it is necessary to tighten the conditions for the procession”. “In fact, contrary to public misperception, we have never made any representation to the authorities to move in this direction.”

The HEB addressed the ban on musical instruments and how rules have been adjusted to take into consideration the importance of music to the religious rites. A set of guidelines have been issued to Thaipusam participants since 2011, and is available online.

Kavadi bearers are individually counselled on the permit conditions two weeks prior to the procession. “The ban on musical instruments is clearly explained and all kavadi bearers sign an undertaking to abide by the guidelines incorporating the police permit conditions,” said the HEB.

Despite this, some participants engage music groups to accompany them en route, and the HEB said it would seek the police’s help if temple marshals or volunteers have difficulty dealing with these groups on the ground.

The HEB said that together with the Hindu Advisory Board, it will engage interested members of the community through feedback sessions to gather their views, and will continue to engage the authorities. Those interested to participate in the feedback sessions may contact the HEB. — Today