Srinagar, June 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure timely and secure transportation of checked-in baggage belonging to Hajj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir.
The intervention by the Chief Minister comes amid growing concern among returning pilgrims over transportation of their baggage following operational constraints affecting flight movement.
According to the communication issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Omar Abdullah informed the Union Minister that pilgrims, many of whom are elderly and have undertaken the pilgrimage after years of preparation and aspiration, were facing anxiety regarding arrangements for transportation of their checked-in baggage.
The Chief Minister noted that due to ongoing maintenance work and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport, the checked-in baggage of pilgrims could not be transported on the same flights carrying them back to Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that the baggage was being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, resulting in anticipated delays.
Abdullah underlined that the situation had caused considerable disappointment and inconvenience to pilgrims and their families, particularly because many pilgrims distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings among relatives and neighbors immediately after returning home.
He further emphasized that such delays could affect the observance of customary and religious practices associated with Hajj.
Seeking intervention, the Chief Minister urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to facilitate transport of baggage concurrently with pilgrims on the same flights to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said such an arrangement would not only reduce logistical hardship and anxiety but also preserve the sanctity and emotional significance attached to the belongings carried back from the pilgrimage.
The development follows concerns earlier raised by pilgrims and political leaders over baggage transportation arrangements for Hajj returnees. [KNT]
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