The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in the tragic incident at Mina today.

In his message tothe Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,the President has said "I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Mina today, during which a large number of Haj pilgrims lost their lives and several others suffered injuries.

On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, I express my sincere condolences to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the families of the deceased pilgrims. I also wish speedy recovery to those injured in this most unfortunate incident”.

This release issued at 1915 hrs.