The election was held here at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall today amidst tight security. However, the NRIs who reached a bit late were not allowed to enter till the DC intervened.

Though NRI Sabha claims to be a body with a democratic set-up, the president is most of the times elected unanimously. And today was no different.

DC A S Pannu announced name of Kamaljit Singh Hayer, an NRI hotelier, as the president. Three candidates were in the race for the post, of which Pritam Singh Narangpur, former president of the Sabha, withdrew his name at the eleventh hour after persuasion by many. The third candidate, Jasbir Singh, could not garner the required support.

The newly-elected president announced that construction of NRI Bhawan would be started as soon as the Sabha has Rs 3 crore for it.

He added that a single-window system would be introduced to help the diaspora, besides efforts would be made to strengthen overseas units of the Sabha.

He also said he would take up the issue of setting up of NRI police stations with the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the NRIs, who were stopped from entering the venue, flayed the district administration for its indifferent attitude.