SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed serious concern over reports of inconvenience being faced by Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir as they prepare to return home after completing their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
According to a press statement, Bukhari said it was disturbing that pilgrims were allegedly facing unnecessary hardship due to the insensitive and non-cooperative approach of the concerned Hajj and airline authorities.
Referring to complaints raised by the pilgrims, he said they had been directed to reduce their luggage by 15 kilograms before departing for Saudi Arabia. However, they are now reportedly being informed that on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector, only 5 kg of check-in baggage and 7 kg of hand baggage will be permitted, while the remaining luggage of up to 30 kg will be transported separately by road.
Bukhari said the sudden decision has created anxiety among pilgrims, who fear that sacred items, gifts, and perishable goods purchased during their stay in Saudi Arabia could be damaged, lost, or spoiled during transit.
He said such uncertainty had added unnecessary stress and mental anguish to pilgrims who had already completed a sacred journey.
Urging immediate intervention, Bukhari called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take up the matter with the Hajj Committee of India and the concerned airline authorities to ensure a prompt resolution of the grievances.
“Pilgrims who have completed a sacred journey deserve dignity, respect, and proper facilitation. They should not be subjected to such avoidable inconvenience and distress,” he said.