SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure timely and concurrent transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia.
In a letter addressed to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Abdullah highlighted the difficulties being faced by Haj pilgrims due to delays in the transportation of checked-in baggage.
The Chief Minister said many of the returning pilgrims are elderly and have expressed concern over arrangements for the transportation of their baggage upon arrival in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the letter, ongoing maintenance works and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport have resulted in checked-in baggage not being transported on the same flights carrying pilgrims back to the Union Territory. Instead, the baggage is being transported separately by road from Ahmedabad, leading to significant delays in delivery.
Abdullah said the situation has caused inconvenience and disappointment to the returning pilgrims and their families. He noted that Haj pilgrims traditionally distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers soon after their return, and delays in baggage delivery have affected these practices.
Seeking the intervention of the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Chief Minister requested that baggage of Haj pilgrims be transported safely and concurrently with them on the same flights to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said timely and secure transportation of baggage would help avoid hardships faced by pilgrims and their families while also preserving the sanctity of items carrying religious and sentimental significance.
Abdullah expressed hope for an early and favourable consideration of the matter by the Union Government. — (KIMS)