CM Omar writes to Civil Aviation minister, raises concerns over separate transportation of Hajj pilgrims’ baggage

Srinagar, June 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to address concerns regarding the transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia.

In a letter dated May 30, the Chief Minister highlighted the difficulties being faced by pilgrims due to arrangements under which their checked-in baggage is being transported separately from them because of operational constraints at Srinagar Airport.

Omar Abdullah said many of the returning pilgrims are elderly and have undertaken the sacred journey after years of devotion, preparation and aspiration. He noted that considerable concern has been expressed over the handling and delayed delivery of their baggage upon arrival.

Referring to ongoing maintenance work and operational restrictions at Srinagar Airport, the Chief Minister said it has been learnt that the checked-in baggage of pilgrims cannot be carried on the same flights bringing them back to Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, the baggage is being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, a move expected to cause significant delays in delivery.

“The situation has caused considerable disappointment and inconvenience to the returning Hajis and their families,” Omar wrote in the letter.

He further pointed out that it is customary for pilgrims to distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately upon their return. The delay in receiving baggage, he said, has not only created practical difficulties but has also affected the observance of cherished religious and social traditions associated with the pilgrimage.

Seeking the Civil Aviation Ministry’s intervention, Omar Abdullah urged that the baggage of Haj pilgrims be transported safely and concurrently with the pilgrims on the same flights to Jammu and Kashmir.

“The timely and secure transportation of their baggage would not only avoid genuine hardships presently experienced by the pilgrims and their families but would also preserve the sanctity of items having deep religious and sentimental significance,” he wrote.

The Chief Minister expressed hope for an early and favourable consideration of the matter, stressing the need to ease the difficulties faced by returning pilgrims.

The letter comes amid concerns over special baggage arrangements introduced for Haj return flights due to runway maintenance and payload restrictions at Srinagar Airport.