Srinagar, May 30, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday expressed concern over the reported difficulties being faced by Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir regarding baggage restrictions during their return journey from Saudi Arabia.
Bukhari said pilgrims, who are preparing to return home after completing the sacred pilgrimage, were allegedly being subjected to unnecessary hardship due to what he described as an insensitive and non-cooperative approach by the concerned Hajj authorities and airline officials.
The remarks come amid reports from pilgrims that baggage regulations communicated to them before departure to Saudi Arabia were now being altered for the return journey, triggering anxiety and uncertainty among travelers.
In a statement, Bukhari said pilgrims had stated that before leaving for Saudi Arabia they were instructed to reduce their luggage by 15 kilograms.
“Now they are being informed that on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector they will be allowed only 5 kg of check-in baggage and 7 kg of hand baggage, while the remaining luggage—up to 30 kg—will be transported separately by road,” he said.
Bukhari said the abrupt decision had caused grave concern among the pilgrims, many of whom feared that sacred items, gifts, and perishable goods purchased during their stay in Saudi Arabia could be damaged, lost, or spoiled during transit.
He said such uncertainty had added needless stress and anguish to the journey of pilgrims who had already completed an important religious obligation.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Government must intervene immediately and take up the matter with the Hajj Committee of India and the concerned airline authorities,” Bukhari said.
He maintained that pilgrims who had completed a sacred journey deserved dignity, respect, and proper facilitation.
“They should not be subjected to such avoidable inconvenience and mental anguish,” he added [KNT]
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