Saudi Arabia ‘slashes’ Indian private Hajj quota by 80 per cent: Omar, Mehbooba express concern, urge MEA to intervene

Srinagar, Apr 13: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti today expressed grave concern over cutting Indian private Hajj quota by 80 percent by Saudi Arabia.

The leaders urged Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to engage with Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims.

Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) Office of Chief Minister, J&K 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,” it said on X.

Similarly former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed concern, saying the sudden decision has caused immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country.

In a post on X, Mehbooba said: “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,” she added.