Complaints will be raised with Saudi Govt: HCI
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 8: The annual Hajj pilgrimage for pilgrims from J&K has been marred by a multitude of problems, ranging from inadequate accommodation and food to a lack of knowledgeable guides to assist them.
One of the major grievances raised by the pilgrims is the lack of proper training provided before their departure. This lack of preparation has led to immediate issues for the pilgrims as soon as they board their flights.
Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, a resident of Chanapora, expressed his disappointment, stating: “We had tents booked in Mina, but when we reached there, they were already occupied. We were asked to make adjustments, but there was no available space, not even an inch.”
Insufficient provision of food has also been a significant complaint among the pilgrims. They claim to have been neglected for two consecutive days without receiving any meals.
Malik voiced his frustration, saying: “I, along with others, went without food for two days. The five days of Hajj are time-bound, and our main focus should have been on fulfilling religious obligations through prayers. However, we found ourselves waiting for 30 to 50 minutes just to use the washroom. This delay affected our ablution and prayers. It may seem like a small issue, but during Hajj, it holds great importance.”
The aggrieved pilgrims also highlighted a lack of assistance and guidance from the Hajj Committee of India, as well as a shortage of guides and Mualims.
Abdul Salam Dar, another pilgrim, shared his experience, stating: “We didn’t see anyone from the Hajj Committee; no one came to check on us. There were no guides or Mualims present. We were lost, with no one to turn to for directions.”
Further complications arose when the pilgrims reached Muzdalifa, a site they were instructed to leave shortly after sunrise. However, buses arrived as early as 2:30 am, causing confusion, inconvenience and undermining the essence of Hajj.
Ghulam Rasool, a distressed pilgrim, explained: “Some people stayed until sunrise, but they were abruptly told to head towards Jamarat without any knowledge of how to reach the destination. We were hungry and clueless, left without any assistance.”
Upon returning to Mina, the pilgrims encountered difficulty finding their way once again. They questioned the authorities’ intentions, wondering if their sole objective was to collect money rather than provide the necessary support.
Expressing concerns for future pilgrims, Malik stated: “We hope those who undertake the pilgrimage next year do not face these issues. When we complained, we were told not to do so because we were the guests of Allah. Does that make any sense?”
The pilgrims acknowledged that the arrangements from Srinagar until their arrival at the hotels were satisfactory. However, the situation deteriorated significantly during the crucial five days of Hajj.
“We didn’t know whom to contact for assistance. In Mina, someone came in the morning and gave us spoons, but we received nothing until the evening when we were finally given some bread and dal,” shared the pilgrims.
In response to the complaints, Ashiq Hussain, a member of the Hajj Committee of India, explained that they do not have a direct role in ensuring facilities and that the Saudi Government is responsible for facilitating the pilgrims. “We pay them for the facilities to be provided. We have received some complaints, and we will raise them with the relevant Saudi authorities,” he said.
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