Dismayed over poor reception given to Hajj pilgrims on their arrival: National Conference

Srinagar, June 23: National Conference (NC) General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar on Sunday said reception accorded to Hajj pilgrims by lower-ranking officials is a departure from established protocol and is incredibly disrespectful.

In a statement, Sagar expressed disdain for the lack of respect by the LG admin while welcoming the pilgrims back from their sacred journey to Hajj-e-Baitullah in Saudi Arabia.

"It was quite disrespectful to have only low-ranking bureaucrats while welcoming hajjis. After all, these pilgrims have just completed a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said. Sagar added that the traditional practice of the head of the state welcoming the first batch of Hajjis at the Srinagar International airport has been abandoned.” Instead, low-ranking bureaucrats greeted the returning pilgrims who had just completed their sacred journey to Hajj-e-Baitullah in Saudi Arabia. This unexpected change not only breaks with long-standing protocol in a Muslim-majority region but also wounds the hearts of their family members eagerly awaiting for their return. The significance of this departure cannot be understated, as it marks a stark departure from the usual customs and traditions that have been upheld by successive civilian governments. The absence of the LG at the airport has left many to question the reasons behind this sudden and unexpected shift in protocol," the senior NC leader said.