New Delhi: After reports have flashed that Saudi Arabia has decided to cut India’s private Hajj quotas, many politicians from the country have reacted to it.
A recent report from Times of India mentioned that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah cancelled the zones in Mina, which were allotted to private tour operators (PTOs). This is said to have impacted more than 52,000 Indian Hajj pilgrims. It should be noted that those who are making the visit through the Hajj Committee of India won’t be affected by the reported slash.
The plans of the 52,500 pilgrims who planned their trips with the private organisers will be hit after the cancellation of zones 1 and 2 apart from the ‘no payment option for the rest three zones’.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday showed her concerns on the reports and urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring the matter before the authorities in Riyadh.
“Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country,” Mufti wrote on her X handle.
“Urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution,” she added.
The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the reports to be deeply concerning and asked Union Minister S Jaishankar to find a resolution by having a dialogue with the concerned authorities.
“This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” the post read.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also made a similar appeal to the Ministry, citing that the cancellation has caused distress to thousands of pilgrims and a expeditious resolution must be sought.
