Srinagar: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday expressed concern over reports that Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are facing inconvenience while preparing to return home after completing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, Bukhari said reports suggesting that pilgrims are being subjected to hardship due to the alleged non-cooperative approach of concerned Hajj authorities and airline officials were disturbing.
Referring to concerns reportedly raised by pilgrims, he said they had earlier been instructed to reduce their luggage by 15 kilograms before departing for Saudi Arabia.
According to Bukhari, pilgrims are now being informed that on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector they will be permitted only 5 kilograms of check-in baggage and 7 kilograms of hand baggage, while the remaining luggage, up to 30 kilograms, would be transported separately by road.
He said the reported decision had created anxiety among pilgrims who fear that sacred items, gifts and perishable goods purchased during their stay in Saudi Arabia could be damaged, lost or spoiled during transit.
Bukhari said such uncertainty had added unnecessary stress to pilgrims after completion of their religious obligations.
Urging immediate intervention, the Apni Party president called upon the Jammu and Kashmir government to take up the matter with the Hajj Committee of India and the concerned airline authorities to ensure a swift resolution of the reported grievances.
He said pilgrims who have completed a sacred journey deserve dignity, respect and proper facilitation and should not be subjected to avoidable inconvenience and mental anguish.
