Kerala government prepares for the arrival of mortal remains of Kuwait fire victims, with ambulances and state officials on standby in Kochi

An Indian Air Force aircraft, carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indians who perished in a devastating building fire in Kuwait, is scheduled to land in Kochi at 10:30 a.m. on June 14. The aircraft will later continue to Delhi, arriving at 4 p.m.

The repatriation process has been meticulously coordinated by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who is also onboard the flight. Singh played a pivotal role in liaising with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure a swift return of the victims’ bodies to India. The Kuwaiti officials have pledged full support, including medical care for the injured and a thorough investigation into the incident.

In meetings with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Singh conveyed India’s gratitude for Kuwait’s assistance. He also visited the Mubarak Al Kabeer hospital, where many of the injured Indians are being treated.

According to the Arab Times, 48 bodies have been identified so far, including 45 Indians and three Filipinos. Efforts continue to identify one remaining body. Preliminary reports suggest that a gas leak from the building’s ground floor caused the fire. The investigation, led by Colonel Sayed Al-Mousawi of the Kuwait Fire Department, revealed that the use of inflammable materials as partitions contributed to the spread of black smoke.

In Kochi, the Kerala government has arranged ambulances to transport the bodies upon arrival. Norka Roots, an agency under the Kerala State Government, organized the majority of these ambulances, with additional support from Tamil Nadu. Sixteen tables have been set up outside the Import Cargo Terminal at Cochin International Airport to accommodate the 31 bodies being flown in.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will lead a state delegation to pay homage to the victims at the airport. Kerala Police have also arranged special pilot teams to escort the bodies to their respective homes. For bodies being transported to other states, Kerala Police will coordinate with counterparts at state borders to ensure a smooth handover.

A controversy has emerged over the Centre’s decision to deny clearance for Kerala State Health Minister Veena George to travel to Kuwait as an official representative. George had been at the Kochi airport awaiting approval but had to return after several hours. She criticized the Centre’s move, calling it a wrongful and unfortunate decision amidst a tragedy affecting the Malayali community.

Analysis:

Political: The repatriation of the victims’ remains highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and coordination between India and Kuwait. The Indian government’s swift action, led by Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, underscores its commitment to supporting its citizens abroad. However, the controversy over the denial of clearance to Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George reveals underlying political tensions between state and central governments, raising questions about administrative priorities and intergovernmental cooperation during crises.

Social: The incident and its aftermath reflect the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in the Gulf countries. The tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety regulations and better living conditions for expatriates. Socially, it has brought the plight of Indian workers in foreign lands into the spotlight, prompting calls for more robust support systems and legal protections for those working abroad.

Racial: The fire incident and subsequent support efforts also touch on racial dynamics in Kuwait, where a significant number of the labor force comprises expatriates from countries like India and the Philippines. The tragedy highlights the often precarious conditions under which these workers live and work, stressing the need for improved policies that ensure their safety and well-being, irrespective of nationality.

Gender: While the incident itself may not be directly related to gender issues, the response and representation in dealing with the crisis highlight gender dynamics in leadership roles. Minister Veena George’s involvement and subsequent denial of clearance showcase the challenges female leaders may face in gaining recognition and authority, especially in male-dominated spheres of government and international diplomacy.

Economical: Economically, the incident could have far-reaching impacts on the expatriate labour market in Kuwait and similar Gulf countries. The reliance on foreign workers for various sectors, particularly construction and domestic work, necessitates improved labour laws and safety standards. For India, this incident might prompt a reevaluation of labour export policies, ensuring better protection and benefits for its citizens working abroad. The cost of repatriation and medical care also underscores the economic burden such tragedies impose on both sending and receiving countries.