Haj stampede: Number of Indians killed crosses 100

Muslim Hajji Pilgrims meets and greets and get emotional as first batch of Hajji Pilgrims of Gujarat return from Holy city of Mecca on October 08, 2015 in Ahmedabad Airport. Photo : Vijay Soneji

The death toll of Indians in the Haj stampede has risen to 101 even as 32 nationals still remain missing after the last month’s tragedy.

“Saudi authorities have identified more pilgrims who died in Haj stampede. The toll of Indian pilgrims is now 101. We have 32 missing,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Friday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh was in Saudi Arabia for the identification process of the missing Indians, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said on Thursday.

“The Minister sought the intervention of the Saudi Health Minister to find the identities of all the Indian pilgrims. He also conveyed that several missing cases were still pending with the Indian mission and it can only be resolved after the identification process is complete. Mr. Singh has been assured of all support and assistance by the Saudi minister,” he had said.