Bengaluru: Karnataka Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia after disruptions to return flights can seek help through state helplines, while Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought urgent intervention from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their safe return.
The state Relief Commissioner’s October 23 release, citing the Minority Welfare, Haj and Waqf Department, puts the number of affected pilgrims at nearly 600. In a separate letter dated October 23, Shivakumar referred to over 600 Karnataka pilgrims stranded in Makkah and Madina.
CM seeks special flights and interim assistance
Shivakumar said the suspension of return flights to Bengaluru and other parts of India had left pilgrims facing hardship. Citing information from the Karnataka State Haj Committee chairman and his team, the letter said many had exhausted their financial resources and were struggling to pay for food and accommodation.
It also said hotels were asking some pilgrims to vacate their rooms, leaving elderly people, women and children particularly vulnerable. Assistance from Indian and Karnataka voluntary organisations in the region was insufficient to meet everyone’s needs, the letter said.
The Chief Minister requested coordination among Indian missions, Saudi authorities, airlines and other agencies for the pilgrims’ safe return, including special flights wherever necessary. He also sought adequate interim assistance until their return and offered the state government’s cooperation.
Indian missions coordinate with airlines
According to the Relief Commissioner’s release, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate an early return. Both missions have established round-the-clock control rooms and are issuing advisories.
Karnataka has also activated assistance through its State Emergency Operations Centre and Haj Department, in coordination with the Minority Welfare, Haj and Waqf Department and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Helpline numbers for pilgrims and families
- Karnataka Haj Department: 9483503132, 7899707775.
- State Emergency Operations Centre: 1070 / 080-22253707.
- Indian Embassy, Riyadh: +966-554412016, +966-542126784; toll-free 8002471234 (calls from within Saudi Arabia only); WhatsApp +966-536216082 (messages only).
- Indian Consulate General, Jeddah: +966-12-2614093, +966-556122301; WhatsApp +966-536209704 (messages only).
Pilgrims and their families have been advised to follow instructions from local authorities and the Indian missions, and to remain in contact with their tour operators.
Official documents
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