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UAE bans Hindu cremation

The United Arab Emirates has banned the cremation of Hindu mortal remains since January, a non-resident Indian told United News of India.

The NRI said the only Hindu crematorium in the area -- located at Al-Gashis in Dubai -- has been shut down on the directions of Prime Minister Sheikh Makhtoom bin Rashid.

There are over 500,000 Indians in the UAE, of whom 300,000 are Hindus.

''If anybody dies now, we have to bring back the body to India which is very expensive. Poor NRIs may not be able to bear the cost,'' he said.

The Hindus had made a representation to Indian Consulate General Prabhu Dayal's office at Dubai and Indian Ambassador M P M Menon, but to no avail.

UNI

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