SRINAGAR, Jun 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday sought the intervention of Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure timely and secure transportation of baggage for Haj pilgrims returning to the Union territory.
The appeal comes amid reports of delays due to ongoing maintenance works and operational constraints at the Srinagar airport. The checked-in baggage of the pilgrims could not be transported on the same flights carrying them back, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
“Chief minister has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure the timely and secure transportation of checked-in baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir,” the CMO posted on its official X handle.
Abdullah, in the letter to the minister, said the pilgrims — many of whom are elderly and have undertaken this spiritual journey after years of devotion — expressed concern regarding the arrangements made for the transportation of their cshecked-in baggage upon their return.
“It is learnt that due to ongoing maintenance works and operational constraints at Srinagar airport, the checked-in baggage of the pilgrims could not be transported on the same flights carrying them back to Jammu and Kashmir.
“The baggage is being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, which is expected to result in a significant delay in its delivery to the pilgrims after their arrival,” the chief minister said.
He said the situation has caused disappointment and inconvenience to the returning pilgrims and their families.
“It is customary for pilgrims to distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately upon their arrival. The delay in delivery of baggage has, therefore, not only caused practical difficulties but has also adversely affected the observance of cherished religious and social traditions associated with Haj,” he said.
Abudllah said he is seeking Naidu’s intervention for transportation of baggage of the Haj pilgrims safely and concurrently with the pilgrims on the same flights 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,” he added.
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