Kashmiri Hajis’ Stay Cut Short Amid Flight Restrictions; 640 Pilgrims Affected
*Haj Visa Expires on 11th, GACA Not Allowing Departures After 10th — HCoJK Pursuing Issue for Last 10 Days: Haj Executive Officer*
Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, June 22 (JKNS): Around 640 Haj pilgrims from Kashmir have been affected after authorities cut their stay short due to rescheduling of return flights. The pilgrims have urged the Government of India and the J&K administration to intervene, claiming that this restriction applies only to Kashmiris.
A group of Hajis spoke to news agency JKNS, expressing dismay over the situation. “Our days have been cut short, and it feels like this is being done only with Kashmiris. We came with the understanding that we would stay for the allotted period, but now we are being forced to return early,” one of the Hajis said.
Another added, “This is unfair. We appeal to the Government of India and the J&K CM to intervene and make sure our complete stay is honoured.” Several other Hajis reiterated their plea for help, saying, “Why is this being done only with Kashmiris? We deserve the same treatment as others. Our holy journey should be respected, and the authorities must address this matter immediately.”
Speaking to JKNS, Haj Executive Officer Shujaat Qureshi stated, “Our Haj visa expires on the 11th, and GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) is not issuing any permission for departure after the 10th of July. The pilgrims have also approached the Consul General (CGI, Jeddah) in the Makkah office.” He added, “Meanwhile, our designated airlines are not in a position to arrange more aircraft from the 6th to the 10th due to constraints that have arisen.”
Qureshi explained that the situation has been caused by rescheduling due to tensions between India and Pakistan last month. “All of this has happened because of the rescheduling of departure flights due to the Indo‑Pak tension,” he said. “For the convenience of the people, the J&K Haj Committee has already taken up the matter with the Haj Committee of India. We have been pursuing it for the last 10 days with HCoI,” he added, referring to ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
“Altogether, about 640 pilgrims have been affected by this curtailment. Now, 160 pilgrims will return after a stay of 33 days, another 160 after 34 days, another 160 after 35 days, and the final 160 after 36 days,” Qureshi said, adding that the first batch departed from Srinagar on June 30 and will now be returning on July 1. (JKNS)
