Hajj pilgrims from J&K

The Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will start leaving for Saudi Arabia from May 9. This year 7008 persons from J&K are performing the holy pilgrimage. Reports say that around 6800 are going through the Srinagar embarkation, and remaining through the Delhi embarkation. The first batch of  pilgrims is scheduled to leave from the Srinagar International Airport on May 9. The concerned authorities have been saying that all arrangements have been made for the sacred journey of the pilgrims from J&K to Saudi Arabia. It is being hoped that the required arrangements are in place in this connection and the pilgrims do not face any unnecessary inconvenience during the travel or the stay in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims should be intimated well in advance about the time and date of departure from Srinagar and not on a short notice. There should not be any kind of confusion. In case of any problem or inconvenience during travel or in Saudi Arabia, the Hajj authorities of Jammu and Kashmir and the country should be responsive and must intervene at the time of need. The pleas and requests must not go unheard. There should be better coordination at various concerned government levels for smooth arrangements for the pilgrims. As per reports last year 12,052 pilgrims undertook the sacred journey from the Srinagar embarkation point. This year, initially, there was an allocated Hajj quota of 9,500 for J&K. Later, 2,000 seats were also added making the total allotment to 11,500. However, number of applicants was lesser than the allotted seats this year. Subsequently, all the applicants were accommodated without the need for a draw of lots. Reports say that the rising costs have resulted in a decline in the number of pilgrims this year. Each pilgrim has deposited over Rs 4.20 lakh for undertaking the pilgrimage. Now the pilgrims are set to embark on the holy journey from May 9. Authorities say they have coordinated every aspect of the journey, right from the issuance of boarding passes to customs clearance formalities. According to them, these arrangements have been put in place to minimise any inconvenience or delays during the travel process. The officials said that the Srinagar Hajj House, a dedicated facility, will serve as the central point for all necessary formalities related to the pilgrimage. Those accompanying the pilgrims to Hajj House must also cooperate with the concerned authorities to avoid any kind of inconvenience or confusion. The movement of the vehicles, carrying pilgrims to Hajj House and then to airport must be regulated smoothly.