149 Indian prisoners in Sharjah to be released following Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's request

Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 149 Indians serving prison terms for minor and financial offences in Sharjah will be released following the amnesty declared by the Emirate’s visiting ruler Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Quasimi. The announcement came in response to a request by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking the release of Keralites who had completed three years of their jail term in Sharjah. [caption id=“attachment_3926465” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Pinarayi Vijayan. PTI[/caption] According to a joint communique issued by the Sharjah and Kerala governments, those facing punishment for minor offences and financial misappropriation would be given pardon as per the general amnesty. Al-Quasimi was honoured with an honorary D lit Degree from Calicut University at a function held at Raj Bhavan. Governor Justice (retredd) P Sathasivam conferred the degree. Sharjah also agreed to open an institution of higher learning for Arabic studies and research and set up a chain of skill development centres for imparting training to those seeking jobs in the Gulf region. “This was announced by Al-Quasimi during his one-to-one meeting with Vijayan”, the communique said. Sharjah has also accepted in-principle the state’s proposal for giving international driving licence to those who seek jobs in the Emirate, the release said. A joint committee consisting top officials of Sharjah and Kerala would be set up to work out an action plan to implement projects agreed to by both sides. The Kerala government also offered land for construction of a permanent building for the UAE consulate in the state capital. The Sharjah Family City project, cultural centre and International Education Complex to be set up by Kerala in Sharjah were some of the other projects under the active consideration of the Sharjah government, the release said. Later, giving a lecture, Al-Quasimi hailed the harmony among the people of Kerala and wanted them to preserve it. “I saw a dance on Monday. I was very happy to see three sects of people dancing together with love. I hope that will remain always,” he said. Al-Quasimi, who reached here on 24 September on a five-day visit to the state, promised he would be back within a year to celebrate the fulfilling of promises he had made. The ruler met the chief minister at his official residence in the morning. He also met the council of ministers on Monday and discussed various issues pertaining to Kerala and Sharjah.