Karnataka CM Urges External Affairs Minister for Safe Return of Over 600 Umrah Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia
Karnataka CM seeks urgent help for over 600 stranded Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia amid deteriorating security conditions.
Bengaluru, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has made an urgent appeal to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the safe return of more than 600 Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. This request comes amid worsening security conditions in the Middle East.
In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Shivakumar highlighted the suspension of return flights to Bengaluru and other parts of India, which has left the pilgrims in a precarious situation. Due to the interruption in air services, many are facing significant hardships.
The Chief Minister noted that the chairman of the Karnataka State Hajj Committee, along with his team, recently returned from the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. They reported that numerous pilgrims are struggling with severe difficulties, including running out of money and having trouble meeting basic needs like food and accommodation.
Reports indicate that hotel managements are asking pilgrims to vacate their rooms, putting elderly individuals, women, and children in particularly vulnerable positions.
Shivakumar stated that the temporary assistance provided by Indian and Karnataka volunteer organizations in the region is insufficient to meet the needs of those affected.
Given the humanitarian implications, the Chief Minister urged Jaishankar to direct the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah to assess the situation in collaboration with Saudi authorities, airlines, and other relevant agencies. He called for immediate arrangements to facilitate the safe return of the stranded pilgrims.
Additionally, he requested that the Ministry of External Affairs arrange special flights where necessary and ensure that the pilgrims receive all possible assistance until they return to India.
Considering the delicate circumstances and the distress faced by those stranded, Shivakumar emphasized that this matter should be treated with the highest priority and that necessary actions should be taken without delay. He affirmed that the Karnataka government is prepared to provide all possible support for the safe and prompt return of the affected pilgrims.
