J&K Leaders Urge Centre to Act on 52,000 Hajj Slot Cut
The news of Saudi Arabia cancelling 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims has sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir. The ruling and opposition parties in the state have come together to urge the Centre to intervene and ease the distress caused to thousands of aspirant Hajj pilgrims. The cancellation of these slots has left many feeling disappointed and frustrated, and the leaders are demanding swift action to restore the quota.
In a statement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to the Centre to take immediate action to resolve the issue. “It is unacceptable that 52,000 Hajj slots have been cancelled without any prior notice or explanation,” he said. “I urge the Centre to take urgent steps to restore the quota and ensure that pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are able to perform their Hajj pilgrimage this year.”
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also weighed in on the issue, calling on the Centre to intervene and prevent further distress to the pilgrims. “The Centre must take immediate action to resolve this issue and ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage is not affected,” she said. “We cannot afford to compromise on the rights of our citizens, particularly when it comes to matters of faith.”
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak with Saudi Arabia and restore the quota. “The cancellation of 52,000 Hajj slots is a major setback for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “I urge the Prime Minister to take up this issue with Saudi Arabia and ensure that our pilgrims are able to perform their Hajj pilgrimage this year.”
The cancellation of the Hajj slots has caused widespread disappointment and frustration among the pilgrims who had been eagerly waiting to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Many had made extensive preparations, including saving up for the trip and taking leave from work, only to be informed that their slots had been cancelled.
The leaders’ appeal to the Centre is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to resolve the issue. The cancellation of the Hajj slots is not only a disappointment for the pilgrims but also a matter of great significance for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where the Hajj pilgrimage is an important aspect of the Muslim faith.
The leaders’ demand for swift action is also a reflection of the trust that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have placed in the Centre to resolve this issue. The Centre has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of its citizens, particularly when it comes to matters of faith, are protected and respected.
In light of this, the Centre must take immediate action to resolve the issue and restore the quota. This can be achieved by speaking with Saudi Arabia and persuading them to reconsider their decision. The Centre must also take steps to ensure that the pilgrims who have been affected by this decision are provided with adequate compensation and support to enable them to perform their Hajj pilgrimage at a later date.
The cancellation of the Hajj slots is a clear indication of the complexities of international diplomacy and the need for effective communication and coordination between countries. The Centre must take a proactive approach to resolve this issue and ensure that the rights of its citizens are protected and respected.
In conclusion, the leaders’ appeal to the Centre to act on the cancellation of 52,000 Hajj slots is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to resolve the issue. The Centre must take immediate action to restore the quota and ensure that the rights of its citizens are protected and respected.
News Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mehbooba-mufti-centre-intervene-saudi-arabia-52000-hajj-cancel-9943150/lite/
