Mangaluru: Pilgrims left under Hajj Committee care complain lack of basic facilities
Mangaluru: Pilgrims who traveled for Hajj through the Hajj Committee have alleged that they are experiencing major hardships, and that despite their appeals to authorities and representatives, they are receiving inadequate responses.
Earlier the pilgrims complained about proper accommodation being not arranged in Makkah and now, similar issues have arisen in Mina, with an even more dire situation. The Pilgrims claimed that they were being treated as if they had been given the opportunity to perform Hajj through the free quota of the government.
Mumtaz, a resident of Moodbidre, recounted the experience of her daughter, Amatul Ahad, and son-in-law, Muhammad Hisham Irshad, who left for Hajj from Bengaluru on May 22. Mumtaz claimed that both his daughter and son-in-law faced a lot of problems in Makkah and Madina, she said, “The problem is double in Mina. There is no proper bus system from Azizia to Mina. It was instructed to be ready at 3:30 pm on June 14. But the bus came and took the pilgrims the next day. The bus, which was supposed to reach Dhul Hajj in the morning on the 8th, reached after noon. Consequently, they could not access their tents in time, forcing many to wander around on the bus.”
“Despite the government collecting the fixed amount for the pilgrimage, essential arrangements were missing. Pilgrims were not given metro bus passes, and there was a severe lack of drinking and bathing water as well as adequate food. My daughter even sustained a leg injury, but there was no medical treatment available. She was forced to walk 25 km on one occasion, while my son-in-law had to sleep on the streets due to the lack of accommodation. Help finally came from pilgrims from Maharashtra who shared their camp with them,” she added.
Mumtaz further mentioned that her daughter and son-in-law were not the only ones suffering and that around 40 others faced similar problems. She also claimed that several pilgrims from across India reported such issues.
Mumtaz also alleged that attempts to draw attention to these problems have been futile, as officials have not taken responsibility. She stated, “The government, despite receiving the full amount for the pilgrimage, failed to provide necessary facilities, leading to an unsatisfactory Hajj experience. Communication was also hindered due to the unavailability to charge mobile phones.” Mumtaz also urged the government to take appropriate action on behalf of the Haj pilgrims who are facing problems.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
