Srinagar, Jun 1: National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday termed the Centre’s policy on luggage allowance for Haj pilgrims a “joke” and accused the government of pursuing a “polarisation agenda” through frequent changes in airline norms.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), MP Ruhullah said during a visit to Chodoora,
“It doesn’t make any sense to change this for the Hajis. It makes only one kind of sense — that the Government of India has the same polarisation policy.”
The MP said passengers were being subjected to arbitrary changes in allowed luggage, calling it an unnecessary burden on pilgrims. “It is a joke that the passengers of the airlines will be allowed to go to another destination,” he added.
Ruhullah also requested Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other leaders to intervene and restore the previous luggage allowance for Hajis.
The criticism came amid growing discontent among Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir over frequent changes in airline baggage rules, which they claim have increased financial hardships.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure that the checked-in baggage of returning Haj pilgrims is transported along with them on the same flights.
In a May 30 letter, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to allow pilgrims’ baggage to travel on the same flights to the region, citing severe difficulties caused by separate road transport from Ahmedabad due to operational constraints and maintenance work at Srinagar Airport.
He noted that the resulting baggage delays have created practical hardships, especially for elderly pilgrims, and have disrupted cherished traditions such as the immediate distribution of Zamzam water, dates, and other religious offerings upon arrival.
CM Omar Abdullah expressed hope for an early, favourable resolution to the matter. (KNS)
