Haj pilgrims facing luggage delays: CM Omar Abdullah takes up issue with centre

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to facilitate the timely and concurrent transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia.

In his communication, the Chief Minister highlighted the difficulties being faced by returning Haj pilgrims due to delays in the transportation of their checked-in baggage. He noted that owing to ongoing maintenance works and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport, the baggage of pilgrims is reportedly being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, resulting in considerable delays in its delivery.

The Chief Minister observed that many of the pilgrims are elderly and have undertaken the sacred pilgrimage after years of devotion, preparation and aspiration. He said the delay in receiving their baggage has caused inconvenience and disappointment to the pilgrims and their families.

Emphasizing the religious and social significance attached to the contents of the baggage, Omar Abdullah pointed out that pilgrims traditionally distribute Zamzam water, dates and other offerings among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately upon their return. The delay, he said, has adversely affected these cherished customs and traditions associated with the Haj pilgrimage.

Seeking the Union Minister’s intervention, the Chief Minister urged that arrangements be made to ensure the safe and simultaneous transportation of pilgrims’ baggage along with them on the same flights to Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed hope that an early and favourable consideration of the matter would help alleviate the hardships being faced by returning pilgrims and preserve the sanctity of items carrying deep religious and sentimental significance.