COCHIN, 22 August — A forceful plea for voting rights for Indians living abroad was made at a two-global meet of non-resident Keralites (NRKs) that concluded here yesterday. Among the other demands were additional reserved seats in professional institutions, ensuring that Indian embassies function in a more positive manner, proper treatment of NRKs at Indian airports and measures to assist the families of NRKs who remained in the state, Kerala Minister for NRK Affairs M.M. Hassan said. Terming the meet a “huge success,” he said the next conference would be held abroad to ensure greater participation of NRKs.
A meeting would be called to decide this at the state capital of Trivandrum soon after the Onam festival later this month, Hassan said. He said a proposal would be sent to the central government on voting rights for NRKs and other issues that come under the purview of New Delhi.
“Soon we are going to have a full fledged office at Kerala House in Delhi which would liaise with the center on all issues related to NRKs,” added Hassan.
