Tragic Loss: Six Pilgrims from Gujarat Die in Mecca During Haj

Between June 12 and 17, six pilgrims from Gujarat lost their lives in Mecca while performing Haj, as reported by the Gujarat Haj Committee.

The Committee has raised concerns with the Union government and the Indian Consul General in Saudi Arabia regarding issues such as overcrowded rooms and inadequate water facilities that have affected the pilgrims.

The Deceased of Gujarat Haj Pilgrims:

The pilgrims who passed away include:

• Ikbal Ahmed Makrani from Chhota Udepur
• Shabbair Hussain and Mohammed Ikbal Sachora from Ahmedabad
• Mustak Ahmed from Vadodara
• Nurubhai Shaikh from Banaskantha
• Kasamali Siddiki from Valsad

Gujarat Haj Committee Chairman Ikbal Saiyed attributed the deaths to the extreme heatwave in Mecca.

Ikbal Ahmed Makrani’s Story:

Ikbal Ahmed Makrani (75), a retired government teacher, traveled to Mecca with his wife Sugrabibi (67). They left for Mumbai on May 28 and flew to Jeddah on May 31.

Tragically, Ikbal passed away on June 12. His son Moin, who had accompanied his parents to Mumbai, recounted their last conversation on the day Ikbal died.

Despite the Makranis securing a Haj visa in 2019, the pilgrimage was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marked Ikbal’s first and last pilgrimage.

Challenges Faced by Pilgrims:

The extreme heat in Mecca posed significant risks. Moin noted that his father, who was usually healthy and active, might have suffered a heat stroke while performing the rituals. Sugrabibi also faced physical strain, which was evident from her swollen legs.

Response from the Gujarat Haj Committee:

Over 14,500 pilgrims from Gujarat traveled to Mecca and Medina through the Haj Committee this year. Following complaints about the harsh conditions, the Committee convened a meeting in Ahmedabad to discuss further action.

The meeting, led by Chairman Ikbal Saiyed, resulted in a decision to formally address these issues with higher authorities.

Addressing the Concerns:

Saiyed emphasized that the Gujarat Haj Committee had trained pilgrims on necessary precautions during the pilgrimage, especially in dealing with the heatwave. Despite these efforts, the Committee received multiple complaints about the lack of transportation, water, and adequate cooling facilities.

A letter with suggestions was sent to the Haj Committee of India, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Consul General of India in Jeddah. The Committee remains in close contact with team members on the ground, instructing them to give extra attention to elderly pilgrims.

Get all the latest news on Indian daily post