Kashmiri banker couple among hundreds die during Hajj 2024 in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat

Srinagar, June 20: Nine pilgrims from Kashmir including a banker couple from Srinagar are among hundreds of persons who died during Hajj 2024 in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat.

The nine individuals from Kashmir who have been reported dead include two local bankers, Manzoor Ahmad Rangrez, and his wife Rifat, from Rawalpora area of Srinagar.

The officials of Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee have also confirmed the couple’s demise.

According to Saudi authorities, the deaths of pilgrims took place at a time when the region is witnessing intense heat wave at Islamic holy sites in the deserted kingdom.

Saudi government has not commented on the death toll amid the heat during the pilgrimage, required of every able Muslim once in their life, nor offered any causes for those who died. However, hundreds of people had lined up at the Emergency Complex in Al-Muaisem neighborhood in Mecca, trying to get information about their missing family members.

Apart from rising temperatures, reports indicate that the Hajj authorities and the Saudi government have been criticized for their inadequate response to the crisis.

Videos circulating on social media platforms by pilgrims of several countries highlighted poor transportation and healthcare services, describing a situation of neglect and mismanagement.