Kashmir: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti raised alarm over reports indicating an abrupt 80 percent reduction in India’s private Hajj quota, urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to immediately address the issue with Saudi authorities.
Mufti described the development as “disturbing,” highlighting the distress caused to pilgrims and tour operators across the country. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her concern, saying, “Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Hajj 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.”
In a similar vein, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the situation. According to reports, the cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already made payments, has sparked alarm. The office called on the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to urgently engage with the Saudi authorities to seek a resolution that would alleviate the distress of the affected pilgrims. A statement issued on X said, “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.”
According to a recent report by The Times of India, the fate of about 52,000 Indian pilgrims remains uncertain after Saudi Arabia cancelled zones in Mina that were previously allocated to private tour operators.
