‘Text of the rejoinder sent by Ambassador Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi to the Editor, Hindustan Times, New Delhi on the stampede during the Haj’

 

17^th January 2006

Mr. Shekhar Bhatia

Editor

Hindustan Times

Hindustan Times House

18-20, K.G. Marg

New Delhi 110 001.

 

Sir,

This refers to the editorial “it was not fate alone” published on 14^th January 2006 and the column entitled “Off track” published on 16^th January instant. While appreciating your concern for the safety and security of Haj Pilgrims, I would like to stress that it is not correct to say that Saudi authorities have resorted to tokenism instead of investing more money and effort to provide Haj Pilgrims with higher levels of safety. Every accident during the Haj is duly studied and changes/improvements are effected in the regulations and arrangements according to the recommendations of experts irrespective of the cost it may entail, but some factors are virtually beyond the control of Saudi authorities and the most difficult task has been to ensure compliance with the regulations by pilgrims of different ethnic and social backgrounds.

Needless to say that at such huge gatherings as in Mina, indiscipline of a few sometimes leads to tragedies despite all precautions and immediate action by security forces.

Stampedes have always happened in areas around the world even when the crowds were far less than the one in Mina.

The tragedy in Mina is very painful for Saudi Arabia that takes pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors and putting all resources at its disposal to constantly upgrade the facilities and arrangements including extraordinary security measures.

In this connection, it may be noted that almost one hundred billion Saudi Riyals have been spent by the Saudi Government during recent years for executing the largest extension and improvement in history of the Two Holy Mosques and other holy places as well as for developing the areas surrounding the Two Holy Mosques and constructing roads, tunnels, bridges and other service utilities. But still we believe that no expense is too high and no effort too great for the service of Islam’s Holy places and the pilgrims visiting them for Haj or Umra.

I hope this rejoinder will find due space in your esteemed newspaper.

 

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely,

                                                         

                                                                          Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi

                                                                                      Ambassador