GUWAATI: Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene after reports that Saudi Arabia reduced India’s private Hajj pilgrim quota by 80%. Mufti described the decision as "disturbing" and said it has caused significant distress for both pilgrims and tour operators. She called for immediate action from the MEA to address the issue with Saudi authorities.
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Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, joined Mufti in appealing to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to engage with Saudi officials. Abdullah expressed concern over the cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom had already paid for their pilgrimage. He emphasised the urgency of resolving the issue ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, set to take place between June 4 and June 9, depending on lunar sighting.
The reduction in the quota has created uncertainty for thousands of Indian pilgrims who had planned to perform the Hajj in 2025. Many pilgrims travel through private tour operators, and reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has recently cancelled the Mina zones allocated to these operators.
TyrThe issue also follows new visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on unauthorized pilgrims. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has called on the Prime Minister to intervene. Additionally, 37 children from Telangana were informed that their Hajj applications were rejected, as children under 12 are not permitted to participate in the pilgrimage.
