Nine individuals from Kashmir are reported to be among over 900 pilgrims who died during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The nine individuals from Kashmir who have been reported dead include two local bankers, Manzoor Ahmad Rangrez and his wife, Rifat, from Rawalpora.
The Jammu Kashmir Haj Committee confirmed the couple’s demise, and two other pilgrims from the region are currently missing.
Manzoor Ahmad Rangrez, a 62-year-old retired bank officer, and his 57-year-old wife, who worked at the Nowgam branch, succumbed to heatstroke during the pilgrimage.
They had been missing since the 9th of Zilhaj, a period known for its intense religious observances and extreme weather conditions.
The latest death toll on Wednesday has risen to 922, according to an AFP tally of figures provided by various countries.
Reports indicate that the Hajj authorities and the Saudi government have been criticized for their inadequate response to the crisis.
Pilgrims have reported issues with transportation and healthcare, describing a situation of neglect and mismanagement.
Videos circulating on social media depict the challenging conditions faced by the pilgrims.