Foreign Minister Reassures Indian community

The Foreign Minister of Bahrain HE Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa promised members of the Indian community, that every measure will be taken to ensure that they are protected and taken care of. He reassured them and answered questions, during a meeting organized at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam yesterday.

“To visit you, to reassure you and to address your concerns today is not a gesture, but our duty,” said the Minister. “This is not your second home; it is your home. You have lived here for ages, and served this country. It is our duty to provide security for you and to protect you.” He added that he considers it an honour to talk to and to share thoughts with the Indian community.

“Bahrain has passed through a difficult time. But history has shown that we are a resilient group. We have witnessed difficulties even in the past. Similarly, we will overcome this, and work together to rebuild the country.”

“This came at a time when the Arab World was going through transformation, which is fine. But it is unacceptable that it has taken a violent turn, disturbing everyone’s lives. It is heartbreaking to see the expat community living in fear, sometime even being targeted. We will not accept this.”

Strong Ties 

“The relationship between India and Bahrain started with the trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization. We have shared excellent relationship over the last 200 years. It must be noted that we carried out 200 years of trade, without even a trade agreement in place; that highlights the strength of the relationship and trust between the two countries.”

He also thanked the entire Indian community, on behalf of HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH the Prime Minister and HRH the Crown Prince for their commitment and love for Bahrain, adding “We are in this together, we will rebuild our home, Bahrain together. Our destiny, our outlook and our future are all connected with Bahrain. We will stick to the path of dialogue and evolution. We will not be deterred, by anything on our path to  modernity and openness.”

He also shared his memories connected with the Indian Community. “I remember being invited to inaugurate this hall, but was unable to due to prior commitments.  I am honoured to be here today for the first time, but this will not be the last,” he said referring to the BKS auditorium. Another of his favourite anecdotes he shared was about his Indian nanny, who came to Bahrain 52 years agor, even before he was born.

“We grew up together, our fathers and ancestors worked side by side in this country, and our sons will together and work together in building this nation and taking it into the future.”

Welcome

During his welcome address, Indian ambassador Mohan Kumar stated that the Indian community has been part of Bahrain’s social and economic fabric for a very long time and will remain so for years to come.  “We are extremely proud of our Indian brethren who have and will contribute to Bahrain. The woes and pains of Bahrain will also be our woes and pain. In Bahrain’s peace, economic development and prosperity lies our peace, economic development and prosperity.”

He also thanked the Minister for taking time out of his hectic schedule to address the concerns of the Indian populace.

BKS President PV Radhakrishna Pillai, who was also the master of ceremony, stated that it was an honour for the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam to play host to the Minister. “It is our honour and privilege to be living in this beautiful kingdom. I am confident that normalcy will return soon, under the wise leadership of the Kingdom.”

Q & A

During the question answer session, the Minister addressed many of the concerns raised. “In the beginning, public security forces were everywhere. But the unrest took a violent turn from day one. Our motto always has been to ensure that not even a single drop of blood gets spilled, and so we pulled back the forces. And that is the security became weak at certain locations. After one month of waiting, HRH Crown Prince called for dialogue and unity, but in vain. The decision to restore law and order came after the situation became unbearable. The policy is to control the situation in the most orderly way possible.”

He reiterated that the GCC Peninsula Shield was not at all involved in maintaining law and order and that they were here to protect the vital installations, so that the BDF, National Guard and police of Bahrain can concentrate fully on the law and order situation.

“Setting up an association to act as a mediator between the small and medium businesses and the chamber of commerce is a priority,” he said, in reply to the question from BKS representative Abdul Rahman, on the issues being faced by those who run cold stores, restaurants and other such establishments.

Addressing the concern raised by ICRF Chairman John Iype regarding the sponsors who keep the passports of the employees, the Minister stated, “No one has the right to keep the passport of another individual in Bahrain. It is illegal and the breach of a basic human right.  I will take up the issue with the Ministry of Interior. Do not fear for your job, it is your right to keep the passport. Legal action will be taken against those who break the law; they will be dealt with expeditiously.”

CCIA Chairman Dr. PV Cheriyan and community leaders and businessmen, Mohammed Malim and Bhagwan Asarpota requested the Minister to step up the security in certain areas like Manama, Sh. Abdulla Road, edge of Ras Ruman and others, as the people there were still living in fear. “It is our duty to protect everyone from all forms of thuggery and assault. Every area must be taken care of. We commend you for keeping the shops open even in difficult times, and it highlights true loyalty and dedication. We will do all we can to secure these areas. We will ensure that there are visible security personnel in all the mentioned areas,” said the Minister.”

Another concern of Dr. Cheriyan’s was the safety of school children, both while in school and while travelling to school and the Minister promised to look into the matter.

Sharing the thought put across by well-known Toastmaster Joel Indrupathi, Sh. Khalifa stated, “Manama is the heart of Bahrain. I remember that when HM the King visited Pope Benedict, he gifted him an aerial portrait of the 2.5 km stretch of Manama which had not just mosques, but also churches and temple. The temple means a lot to us. This area will be taken care of. It is part of our identity, and the future generations also have a right to it.”

Publisher Sunny Kulathakal pointed out the need to address the issue of global negative media campaign that has tarnished the name of Bahrain. The Minister replied, “I am traveling to different parts to give them the details on what is actually happening here. If anyone can do so, please communicate with the members of the international media. I am travelling to India next week to meet with the leadership and to talk to some of the media there, to reassure them and to give them an account of the recent developments in Bahrain.”

Before leaving, the Minister stated that he was “touched to walk into this hall and to see all of them. I feel honoured that you wanted to see me.”

[This has also been published in the Daily Tribune on March 27 2011 and the Bahrain Foreign Affairs Youtube channel has posted the video, withe excerpts from his visits to the Indian, Pakistani & Flipino Community]