Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 15: Urging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, the J&K Association of Hajj and Umrah Companies today said it is unable to handle the crisis that has emerged following an 80 percent reduction in the Hajj quota for private tour operators by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing a press conference here, Association president Sheikh Feroz said the quota for private operators, which was initially 52,000, has been drastically reduced to just 10,000, leading to widespread confusion and distress among pilgrims and tour operators alike.
“The process had been halted for the last several days despite us being fully prepared. The pilgrims were ready for the journey,” he said.
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While refraining from commenting on technical issues that led to the delay, Feroz said, “There are matters that we will not discuss publicly and is a matter of investigation by the Government.”
Referring to the latest official communication, he said Saudi authorities have released only 10,000 slots, stating that the 52,000 quota was forfeited due to non-compliance.
“This 10,000 quota has created chaos. If a tour operator had booked 100 people, he is now being told to take only 20. There is no clear mechanism to decide who should go and who should be dropped. No one can be prioritized fairly,” he added.
Feroz said the situation is beyond the association’s control.
“We simply cannot convince 80 percent of the pilgrims that they have been dropped. It’s an emotionally and logistically impossible task,” he said.
Regarding the money involved, he clarified that it is not a concern at the moment. “Wherever the money is, it is safe. Refunds are not the issue right now,” he said.
The association has urged the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene personally.
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