Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urges Civil Aviation Minister to fix Haj pilgrims baggage delay

SRINAGAR, June 1 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reached out to Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking his urgent intervention to ensure the timely and concurrent transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia.

In his communication, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant difficulties faced by returning pilgrims due to delays in receiving their checked-in luggage. He noted that because of ongoing maintenance works and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport, the baggage of pilgrims is reportedly being routed separately and transported by road all the way from Ahmedabad, resulting in considerable delivery delays.

The Chief Minister observed that many of these pilgrims are elderly individuals who have undertaken the sacred journey after years of devotion, preparation, and anticipation, making the delivery delay a source of immense inconvenience and disappointment for them and their families.

Emphasizing the deep religious and social significance attached to the contents of the baggage, Omar Abdullah pointed out that pilgrims traditionally distribute holy Zamzam water, dates, and other religious offerings among relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers immediately upon their arrival home. The delay has adversely affected these cherished customs associated with the return from the pilgrimage.

Seeking a swift resolution, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to make immediate arrangements ensuring the safe and simultaneous transportation of the baggage alongside the pilgrims on the same flights back to Jammu and Kashmir to preserve the sanctity of these sentimental items.