Mortal remains of 38 Indians killed in Iraq reaches Amritsar, Punjab govt announce Rs 5 lakh compensation

 A special flight carrying mortal remains of 38 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul, landed in Amritsar. 

On Monday, MoS External Affairs, VK Singh collected the remains of 38 Indians at Baghdad airport. He tweeted in Hindi: "Some coffins are heavier. #RestInPeaceMyFellowIndians."

Speaking about the issue of compensation, he was quoted saying by ANI: “Ye biscuit baantne wala kaam nahi hai, ye admiyon ki zindagi ka sawal hai,a gayi baat samajh mein?Main abhi elaan kahan se karoon?Jeb mein koi pitaara thodi rakha hua hai (This is not something that’s as easy as distributing biscuits. Do you understand, it’s about life and death? How will I decide on compensation right now?)

He further added: “This is not a game of football, Both state and central govt are sensitive govts, EAM had asked the families for the details of their members who can be given jobs etc, we will review.”  

Navjot Singh Sidhu said that for those who were from Punjab.  Rs 5 lakh compensation would be paid for per family. He also announced that that one person per family would be given jobs and pension of Rs 20,000 will continue.

He said: “ Ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh per family, job for one person per family will be given and current pension of Rs 20,000 to continue.”

Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh, before leaving for Mosul had informed that mortal remains of only 38 Indians will be brought back to India, as a case remains pending.