Results for: Kuwait Fire

Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George’s request to travel to Kuwait to assist injured Keralites in the recent fire that claimed 49 lives, including 23 from the state, was allegedly denied by the Centre. This has drawn criticism from the opposition, who have labeled the Centre’s decision as ‘most unfortunate.’ George expressed disappointment, stating that the state government had forwarded a request to the Centre for political clearance, but it was not granted despite their last-minute hopes. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Centre’s move but avoided politicizing the issue during this time of grief. The Congress, the opposition party in the state, strongly condemned the decision, emphasizing the missed opportunity for coordination with local Malayali expatriate organizations. However, BJP leader and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, defended the Centre’s stance, highlighting the efforts made by the Government of India to safeguard the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

A tragic fire that erupted early Wednesday in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, has resulted in the deaths of 41 migrant workers, including Indians. The Kuwaiti government has accused real-estate owners of negligence and greed, citing overcrowding and safety violations as contributing factors to the incident. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, who visited the site, denounced the rampant disregard for safety regulations in housing migrant workers, who constitute a significant portion of Kuwait’s population. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India has expressed deep sorrow and pledged support to the victims’ families. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline to assist those affected by the blaze.