244 Indian pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia
By IANSMonday, January 4, 2010
NEW DELHI - As many as 244 Indian pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia during the Haj pilgrimage in November 2009, mostly due to ailments, according to the Haj Committee of India.
Eight people died in two road accidents. One pilgrim, from Andhra Pradesh, died of swine flu.
Over 165,000 Indians performed the Haj, one of the fundamentals of Islam, in November 2009.
While 124,000 pilgrims went through the Haj Committee, the rest proceeded to the kingdom through tour operators.
Air India, in colloboration with Saudi Airlines, operated 375 special flights for the pilgrims. The Haj operation ended Sunday.
Due to fear of spread of swine flu, the Saudi authorities had imposed restrictions on aged pilgrims. This resulted in a decline in the number of people from various countries.
Iran cut the number of pilgrims by 25 percent. The Gulf countries stopped people over 65 years of age from proceeding to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.
The Indian government did not put any restriction on the pilgrims but made adequate medical arrangments for them in the holy cities of Makkah, Medina and Arafat.
Over 200 doctors and paramedical staff was deployed at the holy places to render medical assistance to the pilgrims.
