Thiruvananthapuram, September 27: Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj thanked UAE Supreme Council member and Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammed Al Qasimi for pardoning 149 Indian prisoners who were serving for non-serious crimes in Sharjah. Minister Sushma Swaraj said that Sharjah Ruler has been pleased to grant pardon to 149 Indian prisoners accused of minor offences. We thank His Highness the Emir of Sharjah for this kind gesture.
Addressing the interactive session, the Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammed Al Qasimi also spoke about the possible tie-ups with the Universities of Kerala. He said that “Information should be for everyone. One should not be miserly in sharing information. I am ready to share my archives with any university in Kerala.” Also Kerala plans to give the land to construct UAE Consulate.
During the interaction, he also offered to start a technical institute in Kerala to impart various vocational skills, apart from the driving institute. The technical institute could impart training in skills like carpentry and mechanics. The proposed driving institute could help persons take international driving licences before going abroad.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s demand to construct a family city and a Kerala cultural centre over 20 acres of land in Sharjah, was also one of the important aspects undertaken by the Sharjah Ruler while discussing.
Also Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi announced the amnesty for 149 Indian convicts languishing in jails over non-serious offences; in response to a request made by CM Pinarayi Vijayan to release Indians jailed over financial cases, misdemeanours and minor offences so that they could go home. Dr Sheikh Sultan also said that the released Indians can continue to work in Sharjah. The Sharjah Ruler made the announcement after accepting an honorary doctorate in Cultural Relations and Education conferred on him by the University of Calicut at a function held at the official residence of Kerala Governor Justice (Rtd) P. Sathasivam.
CM Vijayan took to Facebook to express his appreciation for the move. "It is a very kind gesture and the people of Kerala appreciate it wholeheartedly," he said.