Srinagar, Apr 14 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir’s top mainstream politicians, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have expressed concern over reports of an abrupt 80 percent cut in India’s private Hajj quota, urging the External Affairs Minister to take up the matter with authorities in Saudi Arabia.
The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning.
“I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” the office of CM said on X.