Woman’s brother shares his trauma with DC
Hundreds dead after stampede in Mecca
Chennai: When Anwar M.P. heard about the stampede in Mecca, his first thoughts were about his sister Saneera who was making her first ever pilgrimage to Mecca with her husband Tanveer. The couple had reached Mecca only three days before and hadn't spoken to their family during the pilgrimage and knowing fully well that cellphones use was discouraged during the pilgrimage, Anwar wasn't sure how to get in contact with his sister when the news first broke.
"Since it is a spiritual journey and the pilgrim have to go through many rituals during the journey they do not carry their cell phones with them," said Anwar, Saneera's brother, who did not make any attempts to call her up as he thought he would distract her or cause panic. However, when the news broke out about the death toll steadily increasing, Anwar decided to call up his sister.
Anwar wasn't able to immediately contact his sister and had to keep trying her number for more than an hour. Finally when he did manage to call Saneera, the conversation only lasted a few minutes, however she managed to tell him that while she and her husband were walking, they heard some confusion and suddenly people had started to rush.
"As security guards were standing close to my brother-in-law and sister, they were immediately taken aside and provided safety. My sister said that except for the two deaths and a few injuries, most Indians had managed to escape the stampede just in time and were all huddled up at the point designated for them," said Anwar.
Saneera and her husband, Tanveer who have three children, have decided to continue to stay in Mecca and wait till the end of their pilgrimage which finishes in the next two days but have assured their family that they would be alright. State Haj Committee chairman, A. Mohammedjan has said that volunteers from the committee were with the pilgrims 24 hours s day and will provide all medical treatments and help. He also appreciated the fact that the Saudi King had taken effective steps and has made sure the operations for the Haj were intact.
Nearly 3,000 people from Tamil Nadu have gone to Haj this year. The chairman also sent his condolences to all the families affected in the state and country.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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