Mangaluru : The authorities in Kuwait had detained nine persons from the coastal belt in connection with issues related to organising a Sathyanarayana puja there a week ago.

They are members of Navachethana Welfare Association, Kuwait and are from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring Kasaragod.

The organisers were detained following complaints from the locals over the puja. There was no ban in Kuwait for organising the puja. But, necessary permissions would have to be obtained.

Those detained include Ashok Kumar, president of the association, and office-bearers Yadav Poojary, Anil Kumar, Kumar Vamanjoor, Sathish Beluvai, Umesh Shetty, Arun Shetty, Prashanth Shetty, and Purushottam Kukyan.

The matter has been taken up with the Union Ministry of External Affairs.

Mr. Kateel said, to raising the issue with Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar too had been kept in the loop.

“Ms. Swaraj is in touch with Sunil Jain, Indian ambassador in Kuwait, and all efforts are being made to resolve the issue,” the MP said.