India's Representative in Malaya [Malaysia], Mr

India's Representative in Malaya [Malaysia], Mr. Gopala Menon, supported strongly the mercy petition filed by Periannan, the 23-year-old Tamil youth sentenced to die for having possessed a rifle without licence. Under the harsh anti-terrorist measures enacted in Malaya this offence is punishable with death.
Periannan said he was lured into the jungle by Chinese bandits and compelled to associate with them despite his desire to escape from them, and emphasised that he never used firearms for any unlawful purpose. After arrest, he fully co-operated with the forces of law and was assured that they would see he was not hanged.
The Federal Court of Malaya disallowed his appeal as he had pleaded guilty in the lower court. His petition has now to be finally disposed of by the Sultan of Negri Sembilan in Council.