from K A Ibrahim
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai (GA)
 
Dubai, May 26: Emirates India Fraternity Forum (EIFF) conducted a seminar on NRI – Right to Vote which was held at Land Mark Hotel, Dubai on recently. The programme started with Qirath by Ayoob Ullal and followed by welcome speech by Abdul Kader, who gave a brief update regarding the activities related to Emirates India Fraternity Forum and also welcomed the gathering. The keynote address was delivered advocate Umar Farooq and in his speech he explained in detail all information related to voting rights for the NRIs as explained in the Indian Constitution. He also emphasized on the importance of giving a memorandum to the newly-elected Indian government.

He also explained that the recommendation of Parliament committee and the decisions of the cabinet committee have been kept in cold storage from March 2006 till date. The EIFF has taken a decision to bring this matter to the notice of the government of India and even if necessary to appoint a constitutional expert in Delhi to fight the cause of the NRIs.

Second speaker of the day was Jafar Sadiq Faizy, the member of Imam Council of Karnataka. In his speech he told that instead of garlanding the visiting ministers or the Indian officials NRIs should put forward their demands and if necessary fight legally to get the voting rights. This can be done only by uniting all the NRIs and making them understand the importance of voting rights. He thanked EIFF for taking the lead in this subject and working on this issue.

Another speaker Inayatullah advised to take this matter united along with the other associations and submit the memorandum to government of India through the consulate and embassy. The meeting was attended by approximately 135 people and it concluded with the vote of thanks by Javed Umri.