Will consult DMK, allies before UN vote on Lanka: Khurshid

The decision on the vote in United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the resolution against Sri Lanka would be taken after consulting Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other allies, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said here today.

"The United Progressive Alliance government will take a decision on the vote against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC, later this month, after a meeting with its allies, particularly DMK," the Union minister said.

But the minister was not too forthcoming on the issue of Italy's refusal to send back the two marines, charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen, saying the case was pending in the Supreme Court. "I would not like to discuss the options we have on the issue. The matter will be heard in Supreme Court tomorrow," Khurshid told reporters here.

"Being the external affairs minister, (I am) expected to talk less," he said.

Attempting to clear the air over the issue of passports and the Haj subsidy, Khurshid said the subsidy would be given to only those who were going on their first Haj.

"We will ensure that everyone going for Haj gets passports and, if needed, more (passport) counters will be opened," he said. Earlier, addressing a conference, 'Unpacking the 12th Plan (minority chapter)', Khurshid said the decline in the growth rate over the past two years, which is now at 5.5-5.75 per cent, was a matter of concern. "In the coming two years, as stated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, we will try to take the growth rate up to 7 per cent," he said, adding that touching 8 per cent was crucial for the country.

Khurshid also called for reservation for Pasmanda (marginalised) Muslims, who make up at least 9 per cent of the total 19-per cent Muslim population in the country.

"Although such a provision is in place in Andhra Pradesh, other states have not been able to introduce the same," he said.