J&K politicians urge GoI to intervene

Srinagar, Apr 14: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the government of India (GoI) to intervene into the issue regarding cancellation of 52,000 Hajj slots by Saudi Arbaia for Indian pilgrims.

The leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari have expressed concern over the issue and urged the union government to take up the matter with Saudi government.

Omar Abdullah posted on X, “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.”

National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah while talking to media made a fervent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk to the Saudi government on the issue. “I appeal to the Prime Minister to raise the issue with the Saudi government and ensure that the Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims is not reduced,” he added.

Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti posted on X, “Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% 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. @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar.”

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed deep concern over the reduction in the private Hajj quota. He has 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.

Bukhari wrote on his X handle: “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.”

He further added, “I humbly request the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, @DrSJaishankar, and the Minister of Minority Affairs, @KirenRijiju, to take up the matter with the Saudi authorities to seek a reversal of this decision.”