Indian Haj pilgrims stranded

JEDDAH, MARCH 29. More than 3,000 Indian pilgrims have been stranded at the Jeddah International Terminal for several days due to the alleged callous attitude of Air-India and its passenger-handling agent.

The pilgrims, who were not served food and water at the airport, demonstrated against the Air-India officials.

The delay in Haj flights was attributed to the non-availability of bay, as Air-India's agent had allowed the Carrier's bay to be used by other Airways. The problem was further compounded by damage to one of the aircraft at the Jeddah airport. Besides, Air-India refused to provide additional aircraft for transportation of the pilgrims, who were supposed to leave for Delhi on March 23.

The Indian Minister of State for Food Processing, Mr. Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, leader of the `goodwill Haj' delegation, held talks with the Air-India staff here.

A New Delhi report said the baggage of Mr. Hussain, several MPs and other delegates was not delivered to them even four hours after they returned here last night.

Air-India had initially told the Minister and the delegates that the luggage had been left behind at Jeddah airport and expressed helplessness.

After a strong protest by some members, some airlines officials found that the luggage had been mixed up with those of Mumbai- bound passengers.

The Minister and other delegates will submit a detailed report to the Government on the problems faced by the pilgrims.

- UNI

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Section  : International
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