JEDDAH: Two Indian nationals were detained in Saudi Arabia on Friday for taking pictures with the Indian flag inside the Haram in the holy city of Makkah.
A resident from Gujarat’s Vadodara 45-year-old Imitiaz Ali Saiyed was detained posting and taking pictures of his 12-year-old son Uzair Ali along with the Indian tri-colour.
Uzair was released immediately while Imitiaz was allowed walk free on Saturday after the intervention of the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.
The Consulate General in Jeddah in a tweet stated, “Please note it is banned to display flags in Haram area. Our official has already met Mr Imitiaz Ali and son Mr Uzair Ali at Haram Police station. After our intervention, Uzair Ali has been released. We are following the case and all help being extended for early release of Mr Imitiaz as well.”
As per the law of the land, display of flags is banned in Haram area in Makkah. The Consulate General urged all Indian Haj or Umrah Pilgrims to note that displaying flags in Haram area is banned.
Yes, We r aware of d incident. The incident has happened inside d Haram in Makkah. Pl note that it is banned 2 display Flags in Haram area. Our official has already met Mr.Imtiaz Ali n son Mr Uzair Ali at Haram Police Station.After our intervention, Uzair Ali has been released./1
— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2018