640 Affected as Return Schedules Shift Amid Visa and Aviation Constraints
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): Around 640 Haj pilgrims from Kashmir are facing an abrupt curtailment of their stay in Saudi Arabia due to rescheduling of return flights, prompting appeals for intervention from the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Pilgrims voiced concern over what they described as a discriminatory move, claiming the shortened stay appears to apply only to Kashmiri Hajis. “We were promised a specific duration for our pilgrimage, but now we are being forced to return earlier than expected. This feels like we’re being singled out,” said one of the affected pilgrims. Others echoed similar sentiments, urging authorities to ensure equal treatment and respect for their spiritual journey.
Officials from the J&K Haj Committee confirmed that the issue stems from logistical constraints and visa-related limitations. Haj Executive Officer Shujaat Qureshi explained that the pilgrims’ visas are valid only until July 11, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia is not permitting departures beyond July 10.
“Our designated airlines are unable to arrange additional aircraft between July 6 and 10 due to constraints that emerged following recent India–Pakistan tensions, which disrupted earlier flight schedules,” Qureshi said.
He added that the matter has been under continuous follow-up with the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) for the past 10 days, and efforts are underway to find a resolution. Pilgrims have also raised the issue with the Consul General of India in Jeddah.
Due to the revised return plan, the 640 pilgrims will be brought back in four batches: the first 160 after a stay of 33 days, the next 160 after 34 days, then 160 after 35 days, and the final group after 36 days. The first batch, which left Srinagar on June 30, is now scheduled to return on July 1.
Authorities have urged patience as diplomatic and logistical efforts continue to address the issue.(DD)