One dead from Bengal, eyes on TV

Many complained that the helplines remained busy, making it difficult to get any kind of information. ‘‘I have failed to know the status of my uncle. I am waiting for his call. The phone numbers being flashed on TV aren’t working. The names being scrolled on news channels are the only piece of information, here,’’ said a worried Khwaja Md Asghar, a resident of Zakaria Street.

‘‘My father, his friends from Meerut and others are in Mina. I was told that many Indians had finished the stoning ritual before the stampede started. We hope that they complete rest of the journey safely,’’ said Faiz Alam, a resident of Colootola.

For some families, there was relief as they were finally able to get in touch with their relatives at the Haj. ‘‘Seven of my relatives, including my father, have gone for performing Haj. I came to know of the tragedy last evening. My father is carrying a Saudi mobile connection,’’ said a relieved Ahmad Hasan, a businessman.

While the committee’s office is yet to set up a local help desk, there are others who feel that a little training to the pilgrims could go a long way.

‘‘Pilgrims are told everything about the journey. During the stoning ritual, it is difficult to manage the crowds. A little know-how about how to tackle such a situation may prompt quicker action,’’ said Ataur Rahman, secretary of the Anjuman Khadimul Hujjaj which holds meetings with Haj pilgrims before their departure.