In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, various Karnataka Associations in Kuwait came together under the banner ‘United Karnataka Associations of Kuwait’ and appealed to union minister Sri Suresh Angadi (Minister of Railways of India) in a video conference initiated by KKMA on 19th May 2020.
KKMA Karnataka unit President, S. Mohd Azhar briefed the minister about the current situation and difficulties of stranded Kannadigas in Kuwait who want to return back to their native place and also problems faced by the people who have availed amnesty. He urged the minister to talk to the concerned and arrange immediate flights to repatriate stranded kannadigas to Mangalore and Bangalore at the earliest as many pregnant ladies, patients, people on expired visas, people who lost jobs, desperate to reach India.
Ramesh Bhandary, President, Tulu Koota Kuwait stressed on forming a State sponsored Non Resident Kannadigas Affairs department or forum (similar to Norka by Kerala Govt.) solely administered by the government of Karnataka which enables NRI Kannadigas to avail all the necessary facilities from the government.
Guruprasad Hegde, President, Buntara Sangha, asked the minister about the evacuation plans prepared by the Indian government inline with Kuwait Embassy repatriation registrations. Lathief Shedia from KKMA Karnataka unit highlighted to the minister about the problems faced by kannadigas. He informed that about 50,000 kannadigas reside in Kuwait and about 2000 have registered in Indian Embassy. Out of which 600 people need immediate repatriation due to above mentioned problems.
On behalf of United Karnataka Associations of Kuwait a memorandum was submitted to the honorable minister. Honorable minister listened to the issues put forward very seriously and assured a quick solution.
Hameed Kulyar, a prominent businessman in Kuwait requested the minister to arrange flights to Karnataka at the earliest possible, so that he can send his 600 stranded staff by paying their tickets.
Rajesh Vittal, President of Kuwait Kannada Koota; Abdul Naser Khan, President of Karnataka Muslim Welfare Association; Krishna Poojari, President of Billava Sanga Kuwait, Stevan Rego Ex-President of Kuwait Canara Welfare Association and office bearers of KKMA Karnataka unit, Iqbal, Abdul Jabbar, S. M. Farook and General Secretary Yusuf Muniyam also attended the video conference.
Chandrasheshkar Lingadalli also joined from dubai. The meeting was very well co-ordinated by S.M.Basheer from Dubai.
This video conference meeting was part of the continued efforts by various Karnataka Associations in Kuwait. Earlier, similar video conference meetings were held with Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri B.S. Yediyurappa and Honorable Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and former chief minister of Karnataka Sri D. V. Sadananda Gowda.