Srinagar, May 22 : Several Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern over repeated changes in airline and baggage policies ahead of the annual pilgrimage, alleging discrimination and seeking immediate clarification from authorities.
The pilgrims questioned why those from Jammu and Kashmir had been assigned a separate local airline arrangement, while pilgrims from other parts of the country were reportedly travelling through international airlines.
They alleged that the arrangement from the embarkation point was costing nearly Rs 70,000 per pilgrim and raised concerns over equal treatment.
The pilgrims also objected to changes in baggage allowance norms.
According to them, Haj guidelines permit every pilgrim to carry 40 kg check-in baggage and 7 kg hand luggage. However, they said the baggage allowance for Kashmiri pilgrims was reduced to 25 kg plus 7 kg hand luggage shortly before departure due to ongoing maintenance work at Srinagar airport.
The pilgrims claimed they were initially informed that the restriction would apply only for the Srinagar-Madinah flight and that the return baggage allowance would remain unchanged.
However, they said another message was now being circulated on WhatsApp claiming that the total baggage allowance had been further reduced to 35 kg, leading to confusion among pilgrims.
The repeated last-minute and unofficial communications had caused stress and anxiety among pilgrims, particularly the elderly, they said.
The pilgrims urged the government and Haj authorities to issue a clear official circular regarding airline and baggage policies and ensure equal treatment for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir.
When contacted, Haj officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad said the restrictions were linked to maintenance work at Srinagar airport.
“There is no other reason responsible for it,” he said.
He said the matter had already been taken up with the Central Haj Committee and the Government of India, while the Jammu and Kashmir government had also been informed about the issue.(KNS).
