Mortal remains of 31 Indians from Kuwait fire received at Kochi.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, addressing reporters at the airport, emphasized the crucial role of ‘pravasis’ (expatriates) as the lifeline of Kerala. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of many Indian expatriates in the Kuwait fire, describing it as a “huge disaster for the country.” Vijayan highlighted the significant contributions of expatriates to Kerala’s economy and society, and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He assured that the state government would provide all necessary support and assistance to those affected by this devastating incident.
Among those present were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who paid tributes to the deceased.
The tragic incident in Kuwait has sent shockwaves through the Indian expatriate community, particularly in Kerala. An Indian Air Force (IAF) flight carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in the tragic Kuwait fire incident landed at the international airport here at around 10:30 am. The arrival of the IAF C30J aircraft marked a somber moment as officials and family members gathered to receive the bodies of their loved ones.
Of the 45 mortal remains carried by the aircraft, 31 were received at the airport here in Kochi. The 31 bodies include 23 Keralites, 7 Tamilians, and one person from Karnataka, officials said. The remaining bodies were to be transported to their respective states. This heartbreaking incident has underscored the close-knit nature of the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait and the profound impact such tragedies have on families back home.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, addressing reporters at the airport, emphasized the vital role of ‘pravasis’ (expatriates) as the lifeline of Kerala. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of many Indian expatriates in the Kuwait fire, describing it as a “huge disaster for the country.” Vijayan highlighted that the contributions of expatriates to Kerala’s economy and society are invaluable, and this loss is felt deeply across the state.
The CM also mentioned that the incident was not only a significant loss for the families but also a huge disaster for the entire expatriate community. The Kuwait fire has brought to light the challenges and risks faced by Indians working abroad. It has also sparked discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for expatriates.
Vijayan assured that the state government would provide all necessary support and assistance to those affected by the Kuwait fire. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the immense grief they are experiencing. The government’s immediate focus is on ensuring that the families receive the bodies of their loved ones promptly and with dignity. The tragic Kuwait fire has highlighted the importance of expatriates to Kerala’s social and economic fabric.
This incident has also prompted calls for stronger diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian workers abroad. The Indian government, in coordination with the Kerala state government, is expected to review and possibly enhance the support structures for expatriates in light of the Kuwait fire tragedy. The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect the deep sorrow and urgent need for action following this devastating event.
In conclusion, the receipt of the mortal remains of 31 Indians from the Kuwait fire at Kochi airport was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by expatriates. The Kuwait fire tragedy has left a lasting impact on the Indian community, highlighting the need for continued support and safety measures for those working overseas. The Kerala government, along with the central authorities, is committed to addressing these challenges and honoring the memory of those lost in the Kuwait fire.
The Kuwaiti government has taken strong and effective action following the Kuwait fire incident, and the Indian government intervened in a good way,” said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Kochi airport. He emphasized the necessity of measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, expressing hope that the Kuwaiti government would take requisite action following the Kuwait fire.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the Kuwaiti government would take the initiative to provide sufficient compensation to the families of the Kuwait fire victims.
Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum Suresh Gopi, who was also at the airport to receive the mortal remains, said that ‘pravasis’ are held in high regard by the state and Centre for their hard work abroad.
A guard of honour was given by the police to the deceased, marking the solemnity of the occasion.
The customs, immigration, and airport health office processes for the 45 bodies from the Kuwait fire were completed at CIAL itself, the airport authorities said.
The tragic Kuwait fire has brought immense grief to the families and highlighted the importance of ensuring safety measures for expatriates. The Indian and Kuwaiti governments are expected to work together to provide support and prevent such incidents in the future.