The decision to vote in United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the resolution against Sri lanka will be taken after consulting DMK and other allies, said, Union External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid on Sunday who was in lucknow to address a conference, ‘Unpacking the 12th Plan (minority chapter)’ organised to make Muslims aware of welfare schemes meant for them.
Talking to press persons on sides of the conference, Khurshid said, later this month the UPA Government will take a decision on vote against Sri lanka in the UNHRC after a meeting with its allies, particularly DMK.
On the issue of Italy’s refusal to send back the two marines, charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen, he said, I would not like to discuss the options we have on the issue. The matter will be heard in Supreme Court on Monday.
Responding to the memorandums over problems of Haj pilgrims handed over to him in the conference, Khurshid said, the Haj subsidy will be given to only those who were going on their first Haj and the government will ensure that everyone going for Haj gets passports.
If needed more passport counters will be opened, he said. Addressing the conference, Salman Khurshid called for reservation for marginalised Muslims, who make up at least 9 per cent of the total 19 per cent Muslim population in the country.
He stressed, the UPA government was in favour of providing quota to backward Muslims like Andhra Pradesh but confusion over this issue was being spread by some political parties which was hindering the procedure in the states including UP.
Without naming anyone Khurshid said, instead blindly following some leaders if Muslims force them to raise their real issues of illiteracy, unemployment and injustice that would be more effective way of changing the situation.
The chief guest of the conference, Maulana Fajluraheem Mujahididi said, Muslims should refrain from indulging in sensational issues and focus on increasing their representation in education, jobs
and power.