Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has written to union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu seeking urgent intervention to ensure the timely and secure transportation of checked-in baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu & Kashmir from Saudi Arabia.
In his letter to the union Civil Aviation Minister, Omar highlighted the difficulties being faced by pilgrims due to the separate transportation of their baggage amid operational constraints at Srinagar Airport. He said many pilgrims, particularly the elderly, had undertaken the sacred journey after years of devotion and preparation, and were now facing inconvenience upon their return.
The Chief Minister noted that due to ongoing runway maintenance works and operational restrictions at Srinagar Airport, checked-in baggage could not be carried on the same flights bringing pilgrims back to Jammu & Kashmir. As a result, the baggage is being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, causing delays in delivery.
“The situation has caused considerable disappointment and inconvenience to the returning Hajis 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, therefore, not only caused practical difficulties but has also adversely affected the observance of cherished religious and social traditions associated with Haj,” Omar said.
Seeking immediate intervention, Omar urged the union Minister to facilitate the transportation of baggage safely and concurrently with the pilgrims on the same flights to Jammu & Kashmir.
“The timely and secure transportation of their baggage would not only avoid genuine hardships presently experienced by the pilgrims and their families but would also preserve the sanctity of items having deep religious and sentimental significance,” he said.
The appeal comes after the Ministry of Minority Affairs clarified that temporary payload restrictions had been imposed on flights operating to Srinagar following a NOTAM and runway maintenance works at Srinagar Airport.
According to the ministry, Haj return flights operated by Akasa Air are being routed via Ahmedabad, where pilgrims are allowed to carry only 5 kg of check-in baggage onwards to Srinagar, while the remaining 30 kg is being transported separately by road. The ministry said the measures were necessitated by aviation safety requirements and operational constraints.
“..The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Committee of India and J&K State Haj Committee are in constant coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the safe, smooth and dignified return of pilgrims. Safety cannot be compromised, and all decisions have been taken in the best interests of the pilgrims,” the Ministry said on Monday.
