Dr. Farooq expresses anguish over death of 550 Hajj Pilgrims in Mecca due to spike in heat
Asks Union EAM to actively engage with authorities in KSA to ensure health, safety of Indian Pilgrims
Srinagar, 20 June: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed profound grief over the death of 550 Hajj pilgrims in Mecca due to the spike in heat, urging the Union External affairs Ministry to actively engaged with the Saudi officials for ensuring the health and safety of all pilgrims with focus on preventive measures.
Urging the EAM to actively engage with the KSA officials to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims from India, Dr. Farooq said, “68 Indians among over 900 Hajj pilgrims have died in Mecca amid intense heat. Social media platforms have been inundated with photos and information requests for the missing, with families frantically searching for their loved ones amid the rising deaths. Many dead bodies are untraceable. Families across Jammu and Kashmir are also awaiting news of relatives in Saudi Arabia, following the rise in the toll of the deaths. While most of the families are taking consolation by talking to their loved ones there, many others aren’t able to contact their loved ones.Union govt should rise up to the developing situation in the KSA and ensure safety and security of Indian pilgrims. Directives should be given to the Indian mission there to reach out to those in need with required help.”
