Mufti seeks ‘credible inquiry’ into deaths during Haj

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 3

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here today appealed for a “credible inquiry” into the two tragic incidents during the Haj pilgrimage in which nearly 1,200 pilgrims died at the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia last month. “As a concerned person I make an appeal that there should be a credible inquiry into these incidents,” Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said addressing the state Legislative Assembly while concluding obituary references on the first day of the legislature session here today.

Mufti, while addressing separately in both the Assembly and Council, held that there should not be any “blame game” on the two major tragedies. At least 107 pilgrims died in a crane crash in Mecca, while at least 1,090 pilgrims died at Mina on the last leg of the pilgrimage this year. At least 636 others were reported missing in these incidents, the Chief Minister said. “Despite state-of-the-art and modern facilities available in Saudi Arabia, it is unfathomable that such lapses could have occurred. It has become necessary to take all corrective measures so that such incidents do not occur in future,” he stressed.

Placing priority on making fool-proof arrangements to avoid such lapses in future, the CM said the anxiety persisted among several relatives whose loved ones were still missing even after 10 days of the Mina stampede. He said he too was restive as his daughter Mehbooba Mufti was also in Saudi Arabia as the head of the Indian Goodwill delegation. “I hope in future all necessary arrangements are put in place to ensure safety and security of the Hajjis there,” he stated.

The beginning of the Assembly session was marked by a protest by Independent MLA Abdul Rashid Sheikh over the beef ban issue by raising a placard “No interference in religious affairs”. Walking down close to the well of the House, he unsuccessfully continued to seek the attention of the Speaker, who completed obituary references uninterrupted on the demise of 10 persons for nearly 25 minutes. Rashid later walked out of the House when the Opposition leader and former CM Omar Abdullah spoke on the obituary references.