Srinagar, Jun 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu seeking urgent intervention to ensure timely and secure transportation of checked-in baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, a copy of which is with news agency JKNS, Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the inconvenience being faced by returning Haj pilgrims due to separate transportation of their baggage following operational constraints and ongoing maintenance works at Srinagar Airport.
The Chief Minister noted that many pilgrims, particularly elderly Hajis, have conveyed disappointment over the arrangement under which their checked-in baggage could not be carried on the same flights bringing them back from Saudi Arabia. Instead, the baggage is being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, leading to delays in delivery after their arrival in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah stated that the delay has caused significant hardship to pilgrims and their families, especially as it affects the distribution of Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings that are traditionally shared with relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately after returning from Haj.
He emphasized that the issue goes beyond logistical inconvenience and directly impacts religious and social traditions associated with the pilgrimage.
Seeking immediate intervention, the Chief Minister urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to explore arrangements for transporting the baggage safely and concurrently with the pilgrims on the same flights operating to Jammu and Kashmir.
“The timely and secure transportation of their baggage would not only avoid genuine hardships presently experienced by the pilgrims and their families but would also preserve the sanctity of items having deep religious and sentimental significance,” Abdullah wrote.
The Chief Minister expressed hope for an early and favourable consideration of the matter to ensure that returning Haj pilgrims do not face avoidable inconvenience during their homecoming. (JKNS)
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