GUWAHATI: Assam AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya has raised concerns about the lack of government facilities for Haj pilgrims from the state, despite Assam sending one of the highest numbers of pilgrims to Haj each year. Barbhuiya highlighted that an average of 4,000 pilgrims from Assam embark on the Haj pilgrimage annually, but face significant difficulties due to the absence of adequate accommodation in Guwahati.
"Pilgrims from across the state gather in Guwahati to start their journey to Saudi Arabia, but the city lacks sufficient government-supported lodging. There is only a private facility available, which cannot accommodate the large numbers," Barbhuiya said.
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He mentioned that while he has made personal arrangements for a few pilgrims, it is not enough to meet the demand. Barbhuiya urged the state government to take immediate action to ensure that Haj pilgrims do not face inconvenience.
"There are luxurious facilities for Haj pilgrims in Kolkata, allowing them to travel to Mecca-Madina without any hassle. Assam should provide similar support," he asserted.
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Additionally, AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal has pointed out that Haj pilgrims from Assam have to pay an extra fee of ₹51,000 for embarkation from Guwahati. "Why should pilgrims from Assam be charged more compared to those from other states?" Ajmal questioned.
He has written to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, appealing for the reimbursement of the additional charges paid by Assam's Haj pilgrims.
