Omar Abdullah Seeks Civil Aviation Intervention Over Delayed Hajj Baggage Transport
Omar Abdullah urges Centre to address delayed baggage of returning Hajj pilgrims.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday wrote to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to address the delay in the transportation of baggage belonging to returning Hajj pilgrims from the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister highlighted that several pilgrims returning after performing the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia were facing difficulties due to their checked-in luggage not arriving with them. He said the situation had caused inconvenience, particularly for elderly pilgrims who had undertaken the journey after long preparation and spiritual devotion.
According to the communication, the baggage of Hajj pilgrims could not be transported on the same flights due to technical and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport, which is currently undergoing maintenance work. As a result, the luggage has been routed separately and is being transported by road from Ahmedabad, leading to significant delays in its delivery to the pilgrims.
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Omar Abdullah noted that the delay has created both practical and emotional distress for returning pilgrims and their families. He pointed out that many pilgrims traditionally distribute Zamzam water, dates, and other religious items immediately upon returning home, and the absence of their baggage has disrupted these long-standing social and religious customs.
The Chief Minister stressed that the timely and coordinated transportation of baggage is essential not only for convenience but also to preserve the religious and sentimental significance attached to the pilgrims’ belongings. He urged the Union Minister to explore measures that would allow luggage to be transported along with passengers or through faster and more reliable arrangements.
In his letter, Abdullah appealed for swift action to mitigate the hardships being faced by the pilgrims and expressed hope for an early and favourable response. The issue has drawn attention to operational challenges at Srinagar Airport and the need for improved logistical coordination during large-scale pilgrimage travel periods.
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