KCCI urges Govt to ensure timely travel for Hajj pilgrims amid flight disruptions

Srinagar, May 11: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has urged the Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting their immediate intervention to help over 3,000 Hajj pilgrims who are currently unable to travel to Saudi Arabia due to the disruption of flight operations from Srinagar Airport.

In a statement, the  KCCI expressed deep concern over the distress faced by the intending pilgrims whose travel plans were halted following the cancellation of flights amid heightened tensions and recent hostilities between India and Pakistan at Srinagar International Airport. Now that a ceasefire has been officially announced, the Chamber believes there is a vital opportunity for the government to act swiftly and ensure these pilgrims are able to perform their religious duties without further delay.

"The annual Hajj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims and must be performed within a specific period of the Islamic calendar. Any delay in travel could result in pilgrims missing this sacred opportunity. Given the limited window and the time-sensitive nature of the Hajj rituals, the KCC&I strongly urges the government to immediately arrange for additional flights from Srinagar to Jeddah, and, if necessary, facilitate travel through alternative airports with connecting arrangements," the statement said.

The Chamber has also highlighted the emotional and financial strain faced by the families of the pilgrims, many of whom have invested significant resources in preparing for this journey. Ensuring timely travel for these individuals is not only a matter of religious importance but also a humanitarian responsibility.

The KCC&I remains hopeful that both the central and Union Territory governments will take swift and concrete measures to address this pressing issue and ensure that all intending Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are able to travel to Saudi Arabia in time.