Kashmiris killed in Saudi mishap, family upset with govt

Srinagar, May 3: A Kashmiri family, which lost its four members including the bread winner in a road accident in Saudi Arabia last week, today accused the Centre and the state government of showing no concern to provide a helping hand to them.

Bashir Ahmad Mir (40) along with his wife, daughter and father died in a road mishap while returning from the holy city of Mecca after performing 'Umrah' on April 28. His mother and minor son were also injured in the accident and are undergoing treatment in a Jeddah hospital where their condition is stated to be "critical".

"We received the news about the tragedy from the friends of my deceased brother and there has been no communication from the Indian Embassy so far. The state government too showed lack of concern and did not lend any help to the family," Mir's younger sister, Nusrat said here.

Mir, who hailed from Banipora locality of Batmaloo in central Srinagar, was working as a HR manager in Alkho-bar-based Saudi KAD. His friend Rouf Bhat said the government left them with no option but to arrange a visa for one of the family members.

"We utilised our contacts to arrange the visa for Mir's younger brother, Irshad Ahmad, who left for Saudi Arabia yesterday as the bodies of the deceased were laid to rest at Mecca today," he said.

Bhat alleged that the Centre as well as the state governments have "failed" to fulfill their responsibilities in the aftermath of the accident.

PTI