'That camp was a death trap'

Sonny Abraham in Dubai

Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral has sought to clarify that there is not much truth in the controversial statement of Indian Consul General in Jeddah, Afzal Amanullah about last Tuesday's haj fire.

Amanullah had said the Indians who perished in the fire could have escaped unhurt if the Saudi guides had not locked them in the encampments.

"This matter has been examined very carefully and it is concluded that these views appear to be derived from the information provided by a few of the injured,'' Gujral's diplomatic clarification read.

Gujral also announced a compensation of Rs 100,000 to the next of kin of the victims. In addition, he has assured free medical treatment for the injured.

In a telephonic interview on Wednesday, Amanullah said the fire reached the Indian camp about 20 minutes after itstarted, probably in a camp housing Indonesian pilgrims. But instead of evacuating the pilgrims at the first sign, the mutawifeen (the pilgrim guides) locked the encampment gates to 'avoid panic'. They apparently believed the fire would not reach the Indian camp.

To flee the quickly approaching fire, the pilgrims had run back from the locked gates, tore down the corrugated tin walls separating encampments, and scampered uphill. But by the time they had backtracked the crucial 200 meters to the hill, the fire engulfed them. Only the fittest had survived.

"That camp was a death trap," said Amanullah. "It should not have been set up right in front of a hill, without any emergency exits."

The death toll for Indian pilgrims is 46, but Amanullah said it may cross 100. Some 265 Indians have been listed as missing.

Amanullah said 10 other Indians were considered dead. However, it has not been confirmed if they died in the fire or due to natural causes. (At least 16 Indians died of natural causes this year.)

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Maqbool Dar who led the 35-member goodwill haj delegation, said medicines were being flown from India. The injured would be airlifted back as soon as possible.

Reports in Saudi newspapers said about 25 of the injured -- over 200 are being treated -- were critical while 75 needed intensive medical care.

Meanwhile, a three-member Indian Parliamentary committee, to probe the causes of the fire, is due to arrive in Jeddah on Friday.

UNI