Makkah Crane tragedy:Haj committee seeks more compensation

The Haj committee in the country has urged the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to explore possibilities of getting more compensation for the kin of the Indian pilgrims who were killed in the crane accident in Haram Sharief on September 11. Thirteen Indian pilgrims including ten, who went under the aegis of the Haj Committee of India (HCI), died in the mishap. "We have requested the Consulate General of India to examine, under facts and circumstances there (Saudi Arabia) and laws of the land, as to why the accident occurred, whether the crane was defective and if the Hajis can get any further compensation," Chairman of HCI, Qaiser Shamim, told reporters here today. "The compensation announced by the Saudi Arab King that will also be provided to the family of the deceased and the Consulate General of India will inform when will it be paid," he said. In the Mina stampede, on September 24, 114 deaths of Indian pilgrims have been reported of which 44 went under the aegis of the HCI, while remaining went on their own. "Those who go far Haj are insured and they will received compensation accordingly." There are also 10 pilgrims who are yet to be traced. Two of them are HCI hajjis, he said. "This year 10 per cent of the pilgrims were above 70 years of age while 38 percent were above 60 years. The oldest Indian pilgrim was Mrs Bismillah G Jankhan, who is 109 years old," Shamim said. The number of Indian hajjis this year was 1.20 lakh out of which 50 per cent have returned while others are in the process of returning. The HCI and Consulate General of India are working around to help the affected pilgrims and families. Visas for travelling of members of the bereaved families, wishing to go Saudi Arabia have been arranged while injured pilgrims will be provided facilities after they are in a condition to travel, he added.