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| Tragedy struck Thursday at the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia |
I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragedy that unfolded today in Saudi Arabia resulting in the deaths of more than 700 Muslim pilgrims.
According to international media reports there was a stampede during one of the last rituals of the Hajj season that killed hundreds and injured 719 others. The fatality figure is expected to keep growing.
Tragedy struck as pilgrims were engaged in the ritual known as "stoning the devil" in the tent city of Mina, about 2 miles from Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
In past years, hundreds have been killed during the same ceremony, and just 13 days ago a crane collapsed near the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing more than 100 people.
It is always devastating to learn of such incidents. As the Muslim community celebrates Eid Al Adha, marking the end of the Hajj, I pray for the families of the victims of this unfortunate incident.
I also pray that that our pilgrims who have gone to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj are safe and would soon return home.
This tragedy comes as our nation is praying collectively for peace and harmony as we celebrate our 39th anniversary of becoming a republic.
As you offer prayers today I urge you to think of the victims of this tragedy and offer prayers on their behalf so their souls would find peace as they reunite with the Creator.
While they might have been strangers to us, we must recognise they were our brothers and sisters, God’s children, meeting to pray for a better world for all humanity.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP for Siparia
Leader of the Opposition | Leader of the UNC and the People’s Partnership
24 September 2015
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