Dubai: Only a group of 20 to 25 of the over 4000 detained construction workers, majority of whom were Indians, will be prosecuted for indulging in violence and damaging public property during an illegal protest, the Indian diplomat said.

This was indicated yesterday after a meeting between top officials from the Indian diplomatic mission and the Dubai Government, a media report said. Only those workers against whom the police have firm evidence of having indulged in violence and causing damage to public and private property will be prosecuted by the authorities, Indian Ambassador to UAE Talmiz Ahmed was quoted as saying by Khaleez Times.

"Other workers have the option to either stay on in Dubai and continue to work for the local contracting company or return to India. Those deciding to continue to work have to furnish an affidavit swearing they will not indulge in such illegal activities," he said.

"We have discussed the options with the workers and a majority of them want to return to work. All those willing to do so will be released today," Ahmed said. The protesting workers, a large majority of them Indian nationals, were demanding higher wages and better living conditions. Their protest on October 27 outside their Jebel Ali labour camp in Dubai turned violent and they had to be detained by the police and sent to jail as a precautionary measure.

Source : PTI