Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims rue inadequate arrangements in Saudi Arabia

Srinagar, June 21: Thousands of Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims have raised serious concerns over inadequate arrangements and major deficiencies in their lodging and transportation facilities in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The complaints come amidst a severe heatwave that has reportedly claimed over 900 lives, including 68 Indian pilgrims, of which 10 were from J&K.

Pilgrims told Greater Kashmir that they are facing a range of issues, including lack of basic facilities, poor cooling systems, insufficient transportation, inadequate crowd management, and poor ventilation.

Many hold the local administration and the embassy responsible for the fatalities, citing mismanagement and negligence.

Altaf Ahmad, a pilgrim from Bandipora, told Greater Kashmir there was a poor accommodation condition as well.

“I have seen people die in old lifts in the hotel. Five people have been accommodated in rooms meant for two or three. Despite paying more than pilgrims from other countries, we are facing these difficulties,” he said.

Ahmad also said that most deaths occurred at Mina. “People were not allowed to rest in other tents. It was difficult to find our tents in the scorching heat. Many couldn’t tolerate the dehydration and died,” he added.

Farooq Ahmad, another pilgrim, said there was a disparity in transportation facilities. “Pilgrims from other countries had good transportation from Mina, but we had to walk 12 kms in the heat. Even after paying 2000 rials for transport for traveling only 5 kms from one side of Azizia to another side, we faced difficulties that others did not,” he said.

Another pilgrim from Srinagar echoed these sentiments, citing unbearable conditions and broken promises from the authorities. “The mismanagement, poor security, inadequate guides, and problems at pick-up and drop points have added to our grievances,” they said.

A viral video online shows anguished families of deceased pilgrims complaining about the lack of basic facilities.

The Kashmiri pilgrims are demanding immediate action and accountability from Saudi authorities and the embassy to rectify these deficiencies and ensure future pilgrims’ safety and well-being.

Dr Shujaat Qureshi, Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, told Greater Kashmir that the deaths were due to the heat wave. “Facilities were improved, but unfortunately, the temperature makes it hard for the pilgrims. Managing such a huge crowd is difficult,” he said.