Umrah bus mishap victims to be buried at the revered Jannat-ul-Baqi in Medina

Hyderabad

Saudi authorities have agreed to permit the burial of umrah passengers from Hyderabad in Jannat ul Baqi, a revered space in Medina, following funeral prayers in the Masjid-e-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) after a request from the Telangana delegation that is coordinating relief efforts in the Kingdom.

A three-member team from Telangana, led by Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, and comprising Nampally legislator Mohammed Majid Hussain and Minorities Welfare Department Secretary B. Shafiullah, met a high-level delegation of the Indian Government in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The meeting was held to review the ongoing arrangements and ensure coordinated support for the families of those who died in the recent tragedy.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer led the delegation comprising Secretary (CPV and OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, and India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan. According to sources, officials deliberated on relief and coordination, and also discussed the requirements for the immediate next steps.

Mr. Azharuddin had earlier told The Hindu that he had requested for burials of the bus crash victims in Jannat ul Baqi. According to officials, this request has been accepted. Indian officials and the Saudi authorities are now coordinating efforts to bring the process to its logical conclusion.