Sushma says 14 Indians dead, 13 injured in Haj stampede in Mecca

Janjivan Bureau
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday revealed that 14 Indians have died and 13 are injured in Haj stampede in Mecca on Thursday.Government monitoring situation in Mecca, says central minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
“Our Consul General Jeddah reports loss of 14 Indian lives in stampede. We have 13 injured in hospital,” tweeted Swaraj.
“The exact number will be known after confirmation by Saudi authorities,” she added.
The government had ealier said it was constantly monitoring the situation in Mecca, where a Haj stampede had left 717 pilgrims dead and over 850 injured.
On other hand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Central Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the government is monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia.
“The Government is monitoring the situation in Mecca, we are trying to help the people in best possible way. We have also issued two toll-free numbers to assist people to know the whereabouts of their relatives in Mecca,” he said.
“The numbers have been displayed at the Ministry of External Affairs and consulate websites,” he added.
Naqvi further extended greetings on the eve of the Eid-ul-Zuha.
“I wish the festival brings and happiness and prosperity to all the countrymen,” he added