SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Monday spoke to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and sought intervention for the safe and early return of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia.
Ramzan also raised the issue with Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah, urging him to take immediate steps to facilitate the pilgrims’ return.
Expressing concern over the difficulties faced by the stranded pilgrims and their families, Ramzan said elderly persons and those with medical or financial difficulties were particularly vulnerable.
He said uncertainty over their return and the additional expenses on accommodation, food, medicines and alternative travel arrangements had caused distress among the affected pilgrims.
Ramzan urged the authorities to coordinate with relevant agencies and airlines to arrange special flights for their return. He also sought financial assistance for pilgrims unable to meet the additional expenses.
He further called for adequate accommodation, food and medical facilities for the stranded pilgrims until their return, with particular attention to elderly persons and those with health concerns.
