J&K Hajj pilgrims to depart from April 18 under cloud of West Asia conflict

Srinagar, Apr 14: With the shadow of conflict still hanging over West Asia, Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to depart for the holy land beginning April 18, even as uncertainty over the Iran-US-Israel standoff continues to stir unease among those readying for the annual pilgrimage.

A total of 4701 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to undertake the Hajj this year, a figure significantly lower than in previous years.

Those familiar with the Hajj process point to a combination of factors behind the decline, with the steep rise in pilgrimage costs and a deepening liquidity crunch across Kashmir emerging as the primary reasons.

The overall cost of Hajj has climbed considerably in recent years, pushed up by currency fluctuations, higher service charges, and increased accommodation costs in Saudi Arabia, pricing out a section of pilgrims who had been saving for years with the intention of making the journey this season.

The broader economic squeeze felt across the valley has compounded the problem. Traders, small business owners, and daily wage earners in Kashmir have spoken of tightening household budgets, and for many families, the financial ask of Hajj this year proved simply too steep to meet.

The result is a noticeably thinner contingent heading out from the region compared to years past.

Hajj flights from Srinagar are set to commence on April 18 and will continue through May 20.

The Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, Shujat Ahmed, confirmed the schedule while also addressing the fears that have gripped many of the departing pilgrims.

On whether the ongoing conflict in the region posed a threat to the pilgrims’ safety, Ahmed struck a measured tone.

“We are hopeful that things remain calm,” he said, adding that the situation was not entirely within their control.

“It is not in our hands,” he acknowledged, even as he sought to reassure pilgrims and their families that all necessary precautions were being taken.

The flights from Srinagar are expected to operate for approximately 10 to 15 days, with schedules remaining subject to adjustment depending on operational requirements.

He said the Hajj Committee was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth departure and transit of all registered pilgrims from J&K.

This year, the pilgrimage comes with a fresh set of regulations from Saudi authorities that mark a notable shift from previous years. Stricter health screening protocols have been introduced, and pilgrims found to be suffering from serious medical conditions, including renal failure, those currently undergoing dialysis, or those with significant cardiac ailments, have been screened out from the cohort.

Among the more visible changes this season is the discontinuation of self-cooking facilities that pilgrims had previously relied upon during their stay.

“Self-cooking facilities have been discontinued this year, and pilgrims will instead be provided food arrangements,” Ahmed said.

In addition, each pilgrim departing from J&K will be issued a smartwatch equipped with a SIM-enabled tracking system, designed to help authorities monitor movement and coordinate more effectively in the event of an emergency.

The mood among private Hajj operators is somewhat less composed.

A private operator, who did not wish to be named, said the community remained deeply anxious.

“We are worried about the situation,” the operator said, reflecting what many in the pilgrimage sector privately feel.

Among those departing in the first batch is Muhammad Yusuf, an old, retired government employee, who has waited over a decade for this moment. Despite the fear, his resolve is unshaken.

“I have waited my whole life for this. Whatever Allah has written will happen. We leave trusting in Allah,” he said.