Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s top mainstream politicians, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have expressed concern over reports of an abrupt 80 percent cut in India’s private Hajj quota, urging the External Affairs Minister to take up the matter with authorities in Saudi Arabia.
The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning.
“I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” the office of CM said on X.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah called upon the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with Saudi authorities to resolve cancellation of Hajj slots of thousands of Indian pilgrims hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year.
Farooq emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of over 52,000 Indian pilgrims (Private Haj Quota) who have already made payments for their pilgrimage.
“It is imperative that the PM intervenes and takes proactive steps through diplomatic channels to resolve this issue and safeguard the interests of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” he said.
People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the cut in Haj quota a disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia.
“Reports indicate that 80 percent of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country. Urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution,” she said on X.
Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari expressed deep concern over the reduction in the private Hajj quota.
He appealed to the Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, and the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, to take up the matter with the Saudi government and ensure that the decision is reversed.
“The reduction in Hajj slots (private Hajj quota) for Indian pilgrims, is a matter of deep concern, as it will deprive thousands — approximately over 40,000 — of deserving aspirants of the opportunity to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year. Most of these aspirants have already made payments in anticipation of fulfilling their long-cherished spiritual journey,” Bukhari said on X.
UNI
