Kargil, May 30:
Chairman Haj Committee, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ghulam Abbas Abidi has sought the intervention of Kiren Rijiju Union Minister for Minority Affairs regarding the transportation of luggage of Haj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, the Chairman stated that Ladakhi pilgrims, who have completed Haj rituals and are scheduled to return to Srinagar on June 14, 15 and 16, have expressed concern over the proposed arrangement for transportation of their baggage.
According to the communication received by the pilgrims, only one hand bag and one small checked-in bag will accompany them on their return flight, while the remaining luggage is proposed to be transported separately by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. The Chairman pointed out that under the Haj Policy 2026, each pilgrim is entitled to carry up to 47 kilograms of baggage.
The Haj Committee has highlighted that the arrangement may cause inconvenience, particularly to elderly pilgrims, as they would be unable to remain in Srinagar for several days awaiting their luggage before proceeding to their homes in various parts of Ladakh.
The Chairman has requested the Union Minister to examine the matter and facilitate the transportation of the pilgrims’ baggage by air cargo directly to Srinagar. He stated that timely delivery of luggage would greatly ease the return journey of the pilgrims and prevent unnecessary hardship.
The Haj Committee expressed hope that the matter would receive sympathetic consideration in the interest of the Haj pilgrims and their families.
