Luggage curbs trigger anger among returning Hajj pilgrims

Srinagar, May 30: Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia have expressed concern over luggage restrictions imposed ahead of their return journey, alleging inconvenience and discriminatory treatment after authorities decided to transport a major portion of their belongings by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar instead of allowing them on flights.

The Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has issued the return flight schedule, with pilgrims expected to start arriving from June 2. 
However, several pilgrims have voiced resentment over what they described as abrupt curbs on baggage allowance and the decision to separately transport luggage.

Pilgrims said they were informed that instead of the earlier 40 kg luggage allowance, only 35 kg would now be permitted, while the remaining baggage would be sent by road.
“We were told that 40 kg luggage would be allowed and charges were taken accordingly. Now we are being informed that only 35 kg is permitted, while our belongings will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. This will create problems for us,” a pilgrim told Greater Kashmir over phone from Saudi Arabia.

Some pilgrims alleged that Kashmiri Hajjis were being subjected to a different set of rules compared to pilgrims from other parts of the country.
“We feel there are different rules for Kashmiri pilgrims. This is unfair and has left many of us distressed,” another pilgrim said, adding that some pilgrims were even considering boycotting return flights if the issue was not resolved.

Pilgrims also expressed concern about transporting dates and other items brought for families, fearing spoilage or damage during delayed transportation.
“We have purchased dates and gifts for our families. Since these are sacred items, any delay in transportation may damage them. Besides, people belong to different districts of Kashmir and collecting luggage from Srinagar will itself become difficult,” another pilgrim said.
Executive Officer of the J&K State Hajj Committee, Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said the decision had been necessitated due to operational constraints arising from runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport.

“As per the guidelines and training provided to pilgrims, the baggage allowance has been 40 kg check-in luggage plus 7 kg hand baggage. However, due to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport and related operational limitations, airlines have reduced the load capacity,” Qureshi said.
He said Akasa Air, which operates Hajj flights from Srinagar and other embarkation points, had reduced luggage allowance to 35 kg plus 7 kg hand baggage due to technical reasons.

“For Srinagar embarkation, aircraft cannot land carrying excessive load because the runway is under maintenance. Therefore, 30 kg luggage will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar by road, while pilgrims can carry 5 kg check-in baggage and 7 kg hand baggage with them,” he said.
Qureshi said the Hajj Committee was making efforts to ensure luggage reaches Srinagar within three to four days and advised pilgrims to carry perishable items with them.

“We have requested pilgrims to keep perishable items, including dates or anything that may spoil, within the permissible baggage allowance they carry with them. We are trying to ensure the luggage reaches within three to four days,” he said.
Despite the clarification, many pilgrims said the arrangement would cause inconvenience, particularly to those returning to far-flung districts, and urged authorities to reconsider the restrictions.