Indian Haj Mission improves pilgrims' facilities

Dubai, Dec 20: The Indian Haj Mission in Saudi Arabia, which sawriots against shoddy arrangements, has now streamlined thetransportation of pilgrims to the Grand Mosque in Makkah by increasingthe number of the bus fleet, an official said.

Indian Haj Consul Suhel Ajaz Khan said it is doing all it can to facilitate the pilgrimage.

Last Sunday, a large number of Indian pilgrims stormed themission's office and staged roadblock demanding better transportationarrangement and drinking water facilities.

Indian Consul General Ausaf Sayeed, who is camping in Makkah, hasreviewed the Haj operation and other arrangements made by the IndianHaj Mission.

A press release issued by the Indian Consulate said minor hiccupsin transportation that occurred on December 17 have since been sortedout with the Saudi authorities and transport providers.

''Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and Chairman ofHaj Committee of India Iqbal Ahmad Saradgi are reviewing the Hajarrangements with senior officials of the Indian Haj Mission on a dailybasis,'' the statement said.

The situation is absolutely under control and there is no reasonto panic, it said, adding that there has been an acute shortage ofaccommodation in the immediate vicinity of the mosque because ofdemolition of nearby buildings where new accommodation is to be builtby the Saudi government.

UNI