Srinagar, Feb 26: The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the leadership of its Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, strongly condemns the glaring disparity in airfare for Haj pilgrims traveling from Srinagar as compared to those embarking from Delhi and Mumbai.
This significant financial burden on pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir is unacceptable and must be addressed at the highest level, a statement issued to the INS reads.
As per the Haj Guidelines, the airfare for pilgrims traveling from Srinagar to Jeddah/Madina has been set at Rs 1,66,811, while from Delhi, it is Rs 92,054, resulting in a massive difference of Rs 74,757. Even after deducting the approximate cost of a domestic flight from Srinagar to Delhi (Rs 10,000), the additional burden on Kashmiri pilgrims remains at Rs 64,857.
The disparity is even higher for Mumbai, where the airfare difference is Rs 83,702. If we account for a Rs Rs 12,000 fare from Srinagar to Mumbai, the unjustified gap still stands at Rs 71,702 per pilgrim.
JKCSF questioned why is there such a huge difference in airfare for Haj pilgrims from Srinagar despite the government’s laid-down norms? Are Kashmiri pilgrims being unfairly charged, and if so, on what basis? If airfare is determined through a uniform bidding process, why does it disproportionately affect pilgrims from Srinagar? Shouldn’t the government ensure a fair and equitable pricing mechanism across all embarkation points?
This issue is of immense concern, as it directly impacts the ability of many pilgrims to undertake the sacred journey of Haj.The financial burden imposed on them is neither justified nor in line with the principles of fairness and equality.Call for Government Intervention
JKCSF urgently appeals to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up this matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Haj Committee of India. We call upon the government to ensure a rationalized and uniform airfare structure for all embarkation points, including Srinagar, so that Haj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir are not subjected to unnecessary financial hardships.
We also urge concerned authorities to reconsider the bidding process for Haj chartered flights and to introduce mechanisms that eliminate regional disparities in airfare.
A Plea for Justice
Haj is a sacred duty for Muslims, and unnecessary financial burdens should not become an obstacle for pilgrims fulfilling this religious obligation.JKCSF remains committed to advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and will continue to raise this issue at all relevant forums until a fair resolution is achieved.
