Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has formally requested the intervention of the Union Civil Aviation Minister to address significant delays in the delivery of baggage belonging to Hajj pilgrims returning to the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia after performing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage are currently experiencing considerable difficulties due to the separate transportation of their checked-in luggage. The Chief Minister highlighted that the baggage is not accompanying the pilgrims on their return flights.
Abdullah explained that ongoing maintenance work and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport are necessitating the separate routing of pilgrim baggage. Instead of arriving on the same flights, luggage is being transported from Ahmedabad by road, a process that is leading to substantial delivery delays. This situation has been causing inconvenience to the pilgrims, many of whom are elderly, and their families awaiting their arrival.
The delays have also impacted customary practices associated with the Hajj, including the timely distribution of religious items such as Zamzam water and dates, which are traditionally shared with family and community members upon the pilgrim’s return. The Chief Minister emphasized the deep religious and sentimental value attached to these belongings.
In his communication to the Union Minister, Abdullah urged that arrangements be made to ensure the safe and concurrent transportation of baggage along with the pilgrims. He requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to intervene promptly to alleviate the hardship faced by the returning Hajj pilgrims and guarantee the timely and secure delivery of their luggage.
The Chief Minister expressed his hope for an early and favourable resolution to the issue, aiming to restore normalcy and comfort for the pilgrims and their families. The matter underscores the logistical challenges faced during peak travel seasons for religious pilgrimages.
The Chenab Times News Desk