J&K Leaders Urge Centre to Act on 52,000 Hajj Slot Cut
The recent decision by Saudi Arabia to cancel 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims has sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders from the ruling and opposition parties urging the Centre to intervene and ease the distress of the affected pilgrims.
The cancellation of Hajj slots has left thousands of devotees in a state of uncertainty and distress, with many having already spent a significant amount of money on preparations for the pilgrimage. The cancellation of slots has also raised concerns about the feasibility of the pilgrimage for many Indians, especially those from the economically weaker sections.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has called for swift action to address the issue. Speaking to the media, he said, “We request the Centre to take up this matter with Saudi Arabia and ensure that the quota of pilgrims is restored. This is a matter of great importance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.”
The Chief Minister’s statement was echoed by the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, who also appealed to the Centre to intervene in the matter. “We urge the Centre to take immediate action to resolve this issue,” she said. “The cancellation of Hajj slots has caused immense distress to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is the responsibility of the Centre to ensure that their rights are protected.”
The National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah, also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak with Saudi Arabia to restore the quota of pilgrims. “This is a matter of great importance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and I request the Prime Minister to take up this issue with Saudi Arabia,” he said. “We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away, and I appeal to the Centre to take immediate action to resolve this issue.”
The cancellation of Hajj slots has also raised questions about the preparedness of the Indian government to handle such situations in the future. The Indian government has been criticized for its lack of preparedness and responsiveness to the issue, with many pilgrims having already spent a significant amount of money on preparations for the pilgrimage.
The cancellation of Hajj slots has also highlighted the importance of the pilgrimage for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. For many Indians, the Hajj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the holy city of Mecca and perform the pilgrimage. The cancellation of slots has therefore caused immense distress and disappointment for many devotees.
In addition to the emotional distress caused by the cancellation of Hajj slots, the issue has also raised concerns about the economic impact on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Many pilgrims had spent a significant amount of money on preparations for the pilgrimage, and the cancellation of slots has left them with significant financial losses.
The cancellation of Hajj slots has also raised questions about the role of the Indian government in protecting the rights of Indian pilgrims. The Indian government has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of Indian pilgrims are protected, and the cancellation of Hajj slots has raised concerns about the government’s ability to fulfill this responsibility.
In conclusion, the cancellation of 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims is a matter of great importance and concern for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders of the ruling and opposition parties have urged the Centre to intervene and ease the distress of the affected pilgrims, and it is imperative that the Centre takes immediate action to resolve this issue. The cancellation of Hajj slots has highlighted the importance of the pilgrimage for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is essential that the Centre takes steps to ensure that the rights of Indian pilgrims are protected.
