Srinagar, June 1, : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure that the checked-in baggage of Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir is transported along with them on the same flights.
In a letter dated May 30, the Chief Minister, according to news agency concern over the difficulties being faced by Haj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia, particularly elderly devotees, due to the proposed separate transportation of their baggage.
Abdullah noted that operational constraints and ongoing maintenance work at Srinagar Airport have led to a situation where checked-in baggage may not be carried on the same flights as the pilgrims. Instead, the luggage is reportedly being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, which is expected to cause significant delays in delivery.
The Chief Minister said the arrangement has caused considerable disappointment and inconvenience to returning pilgrims and their families.
“It is customary for pilgrims to distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately upon their arrival. The delay in delivery of baggage has not only caused practical difficulties but has also adversely affected cherished religious and social traditions associated with Haj,” Abdullah wrote on X.
Seeking immediate intervention, the Chief Minister urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims’ baggage safely and concurrently with the passengers 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 preserving the sanctity of items carrying deep religious and sentimental significance.
Abdullah expressed hope for an early and favourable consideration of the matter.
