Srinagar, Oct 26: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan has taken up the plight of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah, seeking urgent arrangements for their safe return.
Ramzan spoke to Jaishankar and also raised the matter with Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah, urging immediate intervention as stranded pilgrims continue to face financial and medical difficulties.
Expressing concern over their situation, the MP said elderly pilgrims and those requiring medical attention were particularly vulnerable, while prolonged uncertainty over their return had placed an additional financial burden on affected families.
He said expenses on accommodation, food, medicines and alternative travel arrangements had added to the difficulties of pilgrims already struggling to return home.
Ramzan urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Consulate to coordinate with airlines and other concerned agencies to arrange special flights for the stranded pilgrims.
He also sought financial assistance for those unable to afford additional travel expenses, besides adequate arrangements for accommodation, food and medical care until their departure.
The MP stressed that elderly pilgrims and those facing health complications should receive priority assistance.
Ramzan called for coordinated action by the concerned authorities to ensure that all stranded pilgrims return to Kashmir safely and without further delay.
