The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Several Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims who embarked on the holy journey of Hajj from Srinagar on May 16, 2024, expressed strong resentment over poor arrangements at Mecca. The aggrieved pilgrims alleged that the group made all-out efforts in every possible way and moved from pillar to post to get their due complaints resolved but all in vain.

Speaking to the local news agency KNS, Syed Shafaq (PP No. S9423449) and Shafiq Hussain (PP No. S4842333) said, "We pilgrims of batch dated 16-05-2024 consisting 322 pilgrims were initially prepared in the Haj training conducted at Srinagar Haj House to be taken to Madina Munawara first from Srinagar, however, on the departure, we were surprisingly given boarding cards showing arrival at Jedda and were then taken to Makkah."

The pilgrims said after spending a week in Makkah, they requested to be taken to Madina Munawara but the Maktab (concerned agency responsible for managing and facilitating the group on behalf of the Saudi Government) denied the same on the pretext that the group does not belong to their Maktab having ID No. 276 and actually belong to Maktab No. 173.

The group was informed that this had happened due to an error that was taking place at State Haj Committee Srinagar, responsible for the assignment of Maktabs.

They said that after conducting a series of meetings with officials of Indian Haj Office Makkah, the matter was resolved after several days of strenuous efforts and the batch of pilgrims was handed over to new Maktab No. 173 who took the entire group of pilgrims to Madina Munawara on the evening of May 28, 2024, barring 19 pilgrims whose names didn’t figure in the list of Maktab No. 173 for unknown reasons.

The 19 pilgrims (11 in building No. 91 and 8 in building No. 134) were not taken to Madina Munawara for none of their fault, who are currently passing through a traumatic situation by being left here at Makkah high and dry, they said.

They added that even the Khudams concerned failed to do anything in this regard, who also left for Madina with the group and abandoned them as helpless and mute spectators. "We made all-out efforts in every possible way and went from pillar to post to get along with the group to Madina but all in vain. No one came to our help," they added.

Further, big promises made by Hajj Committee members at Srinagar that very good arrangements shall be in place for all pilgrims this year proved to be a lie, as per the pilgrims. "However, the reality on the ground was contrary i.e., five persons bundled in an in-capacious room with small washrooms in Mecca. The accommodation is with poor Wi-Fi connectivity and sans basic facilities like washing machines etc," they continued.

Expressing disappointment over poor and inadequate arrangements, the pilgrims said this is a pathetic situation they are presently put in. “It indicates gross mismanagement right from leaving from Srinagar where at the eleventh hour, we were informed to be going to Jedda instead of Mecca and faced a lot of inconvenience and mental agony in one way or the other till date.”

Speaking over the phone, they said that at this time (11 am Saudi time), they are at the Indian Hajj Office in Mecca to find out some resolution to their woes but no firm and positive response has been given by Indian officials, who also raise their hands in the matter with the pretext that this is the problem at the Maktab-276 end and they are unable to help us in this matter.

"We are currently disturbed and distressed. 19 pilgrims feel to have been left at the mercy of Allah," they added.

Executive Officer Haj House Bemina, Dr Shujaat Qureshi, said that a minor issue had arisen with one of the Maktabs, affecting 18 pilgrims. He assured that he was personally handling the matter and would resolve it within the next 24 hours.

SRINAGAR — Prospective pilgrims are hereby notified that the final date for submitting online Haj application forms for Haj 2024 has been extended to January 15, 2024.

Consequently, individuals possessing machine-readable valid Indian International Passports, issued on or before January 15, 2024, and with validity extending at least until January 31, 2025, are eligible to apply for Haj 2024.

Additionally, it is emphasized that the application process can only be completed online through the official website of the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) at www.hajcommittee.gov.in or via the Android Mobile App "HAJ SUVIDHA," which is available for download on Google Playstore.

SRINAGAR — Ahead of the Hajj 2023 pilgrimage, the authorities have once again resorted to the unexpected hike this year too, leaving the pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir disappointed while the Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee (JKHC) stated that the matter will be taken up with the concerned authorities to ensure that the amount for the pilgrimage for the Kashmiri Hajj aspirants will at par with those of other states.

According to the news agency KNO, the pilgrimage amount has been increased this year too as according to the document shared by the JKHC Chairperson, Safina Beigh, the amount has been hiked by Rs 10,000 compared to last year, which is Rs 50,000 to Rs 91,000 more than other states.

However, Safina Beigh said that the rates have always remained high for the Hajj aspirants in Jammu & Kashmir, but in a recent meeting, she had raised the issue with the concerned authorities and she was assured the rates will not be increased.

However, despite assurances, the rates have been increased this year too, she said, adding that she will take up the matter with the concerned officials and ministry again and will see if there is any possibility of a refund.

In her tweet, she appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue. “Despite the announcement of cheaper Haj rates this year, the exorbitant fares from Kashmir are causing apprehensions among the people. As the leader of our nation, we have full faith in your ability to resolve this issue and make it easier for the people of Kashmir to fulfill their religious obligations. We request your intervention regarding the high airfares for Kashmiri pilgrims in comparison to the rest of the Indian states and take necessary steps to ensure that the airfares for Kashmiri pilgrims are brought at par with those of other states. High costs are making it difficult for many devotees to undertake the holy pilgrimage. Your intervention will go a long way in providing relief to the people and strengthening the unity of our diverse nation,” she tweeted.

“Pertinently, the airfare difference between Bengaluru & Srinagar is ₹91K, Delhi & Srinagar is ₹50K, Hyderabad & Srinagar is ₹90K, Mumbai & Srinagar is ₹90K. This clearly gives rise to apprehensions among masses in Kashmir that need to be tackled immediately,” Beigh tweeted.

Moreover, Member Haj Committee of India (HCoI), Er Aijaz Hussain said that there are certain reasons behind the hike in the pilgrimage amount this year, adding that the dollar rates have increased against INR while the Go Airlines have stopped operations and the majority of the airlines don’t participate in the tenders for Kashmir.

He said that these are among the reasons why the pilgrimage amount has been increased this year.

SRINAGAR — Haj Committee of India on Wednesday extended the last date for remittance of advance Haj amount of Rs 81,800 by provisionally selected pilgrims up to April 12, 2023.

In this regard, J&K Haj Committee has issued a notification wherein the pilgrims of Kashmir Division have been advised to deposit hard copies of the Haj application form along with declaration, medical screening and fitness certificate, original machine-readable passport, pay-in-slip, one photograph with white background at Haj House Bemina, Srinagar by or before April 14, 2023.

However, the provisionally selected pilgrims of Jammu Division shall deposit the aforesaid documents in their respective Deputy Commissioners’ offices by or before April 12, 2023 so as to reach Haj Committee by or before April 14, 2023.

SRINAGAR — In a significant decision, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) on Friday announced to extend the last date of Haj forms till March 20.

Talking to the news agency KNO, HCoI member Er Aijaz Hussain said that the date of filling the forms of Haj 2023 has been extended to March 20. "Haj aspirants can fill out the forms till March 20. Haj forms are available on the Website of HCoI," Er Aijaz said.

This year, Er Aijaz said, Haj has been made cheaper by Rs 80,000 while as better facilities have been ensured for the pilgrims at Makkah and Madina. This year, 25 embankment points have been set up across the country to facilitate pilgrims.

Er Aijaz said that over 10,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj from J&K UT while one lakh Indian pilgrims are expected to leave for Haj 2023.

SRINAGAR — Announcing the Haj-2023 policy for this year's holy pilgrimage, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) on Monday said that this year there will be 25 Haj embankment points while Haj application forms will be made available after three days and there will be no fee for the same.

While talking exclusively to the news agency KNO, Member HCoI, Er Aijaz Hussain said that after a crucial meeting of HCoI, it was decided that this year there will be 25 embankment points for the pilgrims across the country and Haj application forms will be made available within three days. He said that pilgrims above "70 years of age will be given top priority for the sacred journey."

Er Aijaz also said that HCoI also announced abolishing the VIP quota under which dignitaries were entitled to accommodate 5 to 10 pilgrims under the quota. "There will be no VIP quota henceforth," Er Aijaz said.

Pertinently, after thorough discussions between HCoI and the Saudi Government, it was decided that this year over 1,75000 pilgrims will perform the holy pilgrimage of Haj 2023.

Er Aijaz said that additional embankment points will help facilitate the pilgrims smoothly across the country. He said that HCoIs endeavour this year will be to make Haj2023 cheaper compared to previous years and ensure more and better facilities for pilgrims at both holy cities of Makah and Madina.

On January 10, India signed a bilateral agreement with the Saudi Government to fix the total number of pilgrims this year.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Government of India today signed a bilateral agreement with the Saudi Arabia kingdom for Haj 2023 after which it was announced that this year, over 1,75000 Indian pilgrims will perform the annual journey of Hajj.

“Yes, the GoI signed a bilateral agreement with the Saudi Arabia kingdom for Haj 2023. This year, 175025 pilgrims from India will perform Haj,” Member of the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), Er Aijaz Hussain said.

He said that this will be for the first time that close to two lakh pilgrims from India will perform the sacred journey of Haj 2023. Er Aijaz also informed that Haj 2023 forms will be available very soon.

The HCoI has held a series of meetings to ensure that Haj pilgrims get better facilities compared to previous journeys this year and more embankments are set up. The HCoI has stated that this year, Haj will be smoother for pilgrims than in previous years.

Er Aijaz said that this year, HCoI has taken steps to plug all the loopholes and ensure that all pilgrims from India perform Haj in a much smoother way than earlier. He said that women pilgrims can also perform Haj without Mahram, this year.

He said that every pilgrim will get the due share of Zam Zam water without any hassle. Er Aijaz said that online Haj forms will be available very soon and the list of pilgrims selected will be made available within the shortest possible time. He said that pilgrims will get enough time to pack things and also at the respective Haj houses, they will be facilitated in a friendly manner. The schedule for Haj training for pilgrims will be made available in advance.

Er Aijaz said that mode of payment for the pilgrims will also be made available and every pilgrim will get prior information about making payments. He said HCoI has been working hard to ensure Haj is made cheaper this year.

SRINAGAR — Member Hajj Committee of India (HCI) Er Aijaz Hussain on Friday said that the first Hajj-2022 flight from J&K will take off from Srinagar International Airport on June 5.

All arrangements for the smooth and hassle-free Hajj 2022 are in place and HCI will ensure all the facilities for the Hajj aspirants. “First Hajj-2022 flight from J&K will take off from Srinagar airport on June 5,” Er Aijaz told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) and urged the aspirants to pack their bags and get ready for the holy pilgrimage.

This year, as per the Saudi government, one million Muslims from across the globe will perform Hajj 2022 amid strict adherence to Covid SoPs.

83,000 Muslims from India with almost 7000 from J&K will perform the Hajj. HCI has been on tenterhooks to ensure all the possible facilities are in place to facilitate the Hujaj.

Meanwhile, Er Aijaz will be the head of Embankment points in Srinagar and Lucknow, respectively.

SRINAGAR — The Government of India (GoI) has mooted a proposal that has been forwarded to the Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia suggesting considering the Hajj aspirants who have attained the age of 65 years.

The suggestions came to the fore in a meeting of the Central Haj Committee of India held in Mumbai. Sources privy to the meeting told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that in the meeting, members suggested that in the year 2020, some Hajj aspirants who had applied for Hajj died and others couldn’t take off the journey as the pandemic scuttled the Hajj for 2020 and 2021.

“We deliberated on the issue threadbare and suggestions came to fore that the Hajj aspirants who have attained the age of 65 years should be considered for the Hajj 2022,” member of the Central Haj Committee of India, Er Aijaz Hussain told KNO, over the phone from Mumbai.

“We will see if the Saudi government agrees to accommodate the people having attained the age of 65 years,” Er Aijaz said.

“We are hopeful that the Saudi government will accommodate the Hajj aspirants having attained the age of 65 years,” he said.

He said that over 55000 people will perform Hajj in the year 2022 from various parts of India and from J&K, 5196 Hajj aspirants will perform the sacred journey.

From J&K alone, some 10,000 applications were received by the Hajj committee. There will be draws now to select the aspirants, which is expected in a few days from now.

Pertinently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia recently announced the Hajj quota for countries. This year, one million people will perform Hajj.

Interestingly, Saudi government recently announced that Hajj aspirants up to the age of 64 years are entitled for Hajj 2022.

SRINAGAR — The Saudi Arabia government on Friday announced the final Hajj 2022, stating that this year 55164 aspirants will perform the pilgrimage from India of which 5196 people will perform the sacred journey from Jammu and Kashmir UT.

The quota was announced after a long wait as the Saudi government allowed Hajj 2022 after a gap of two years. For years 2020 and 2021, Hajj remained suspended for foreign travellers due to the Covid pandemic. The Saudi government also announced that one million people will perform Hajj this year.

Talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) from New Delhi, Central Haj Committee member Engineer Aijaz Hussain said that this year 5196 people from J&K will perform Hajj. “In entire India, 55164 aspirants are entitled to leave for the holy pilgrimage,” he said.

He said Uttar Pradesh has got the highest quota where over 8000 people will leave for the Hajj journey.

“First Hajj flight from J&K will leave on May 31 this year,” he said, adding that in every State and UT including J&K, all the arrangements are in place for facilitating Hajis from the Hajj House to Srinagar International Airport.

He said a meeting was held in Delhi where the arrangements for Zone 1 States/UTs were discussed and final shape was given to the arrangements. “All measures are being put in place for the smooth departure of Hajj flights from J&K and the rest of the Indian States,” said Er Aijaz, who was recently appointed as a member of the Central Hajj Committee of India.

Pertinently, the Saudi government this year has put an age bar for the pilgrims and only those below 65 years of age are entitled to the Hajj 2022.

J&K Hajj Committee had extended the date after the age-bar announcement from the Saudi government and April 22 was fixed as the last date for submission of Hajj 2022 forms.

State Executive Committee Officer, Dr Abdul Salaam Mir said that in total, 10,000 applications have been received by them and all the aspirants are below 65 years of age. “Now that only 5196 people are entitled to Hajj as per the quota announced, we have no choice other than to go for draws,” he said.

“Draws will be held after April 26 after which the list of those selected will be put on the Hajj Committee website,” he said, adding the money to be submitted by the Hajj pilgrims will be announced separately, shortly.