Bring Back 4,000 Pilgrims Now: Owaisi Urges Centre to Rescue Stranded Indians
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi demands immediate aircraft deployment to bring back 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims facing food and health crises.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has made an urgent appeal to the Central Government to deploy aircraft immediately to rescue approximately 4,000 Indian citizens currently stranded in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims, who travelled to perform Umrah, are reportedly facing dire conditions, including severe health issues and a lack of basic necessities.
A Crisis of Hunger and Health
Addressing a public rally in Kairana, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, the Hyderabad MP painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground. Owaisi highlighted that many of the stranded Indians are falling ill and are struggling to secure food.
The AIMIM leader expressed deep frustration over the role of travel agents, accusing them of indifference toward the plight of the pilgrims. He warned that if the government does not intervene within the next few days, these helpless citizens might be forced to beg for food and basic survival needs.
“We demand that the Government of India immediately deploy aircraft to bring all 4,000 Indian citizens who travelled to perform Umrah safely back to India. These people are facing extremely difficult circumstances,” Owaisi stated.
Warnings on Foreign Policy and Global Conflict
Beyond the immediate crisis of the pilgrims, Owaisi used the platform to advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's international relations. He specifically urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that such a friendship could eventually prove detrimental to the Indian leader.
Turning his attention to the United States, Owaisi called on PM Modi to influence US President Donald Trump to prevent a full-scale war in the Middle East. He argued that an escalation in the region would have direct negative impacts on India, including a surge in petrol and gas prices.
He emphasized that India's true interest lies in peace, questioning what would happen to Indians caught in the crossfire of a regional conflict while the country is already struggling to evacuate the 4,000 Umrah pilgrims.
Official Response from Indian Missions
While the political demand for aircraft deployment grows, Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia have provided updates on their efforts:
Support for Stranded Pilgrims
- Consulate General in Jeddah: A detailed advisory has been issued to support pilgrims affected by cancellations. Round-the-clock control rooms are operational in Jeddah and Makkah.
- Relief Efforts: With the help of volunteers and local Indian community associations, the mission is providing essential medicines and food.
- Government Coordination: Consular officials are working with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to address delayed departures and visa validity extensions.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The MEA confirmed on Friday that the Embassy and Consulate are coordinating with tour operators and airlines to facilitate the return of the stranded citizens.
Riyadh Airport Attack Update
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also shared a status update regarding Indian nationals injured in an attack on Riyadh Airport on October 10. According to the Embassy, one Indian national tragically lost his life, with the funeral held on October 12. Of the injured, seven have been discharged, while two remain in the ICU and two others are being treated in a general ward.