Srinagar, Apr 14 (KNO): A sharp 80 per cent cut in India’s private Hajj quota by Saudi Arabia has left many Kashmiris uncertain about their pilgrimage plans with the decision affecting over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, including hundreds from the valley. The move has sparked widespread concern among hopefuls, their families and political leaders alike.
A group of Kashmir applicants selected for Hajj 2025, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), expressed their uncertainty about their status, saying that while they were initially overjoyed with the confirmation, they are now in limbo and unsure if they will make it onto the final list.
"We don’t know if we’ll make it or if we’re even on the final list anymore. It’s creating a lot of stress and confusion for us," said one of the applicants.
He said the situation has left many in a state of anxiety, unsure about their chances of participating in the pilgrimage.
Arifa Bano, a resident of north Kashmir, said, “I have waited years to perform Hajj. This sudden change is heartbreaking. We hope the government does something.”
The decision by Saudi authorities, part of crowd-control measures, has left nearly 52,000 Indian pilgrims uncertain about their sacred journey many of whom had already made payments.
Even the visa suspension has disrupted travel plans for hundreds of Indian pilgrims, especially from Kashmir. Many had prepared for the Umrah pilgrimage, only to face cancellations due to visa denials.
A senior official at the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee said that as of now, 550 pilgrims are scheduled to travel through private arrangements.
"It is essential that pilgrims confirm whether the HGO they are dealing with is officially listed and has been allotted a quota by the Ministry," he said.
For Hajj 2025, a total of 4,100 people from J&K submitted applications. As per official details, 3,601 were selected in the first draw conducted by the Haj Committee of India, while an additional 21 women were approved under the Mahram quota bringing the total number of confirmed pilgrims from J&K to 3,622.
The move is part of a broader effort to manage crowds and logistical pressure during the pilgrimage.
Last year, J&K received a quota of 8,345 Hajj slots. The Hajj Committee received 8,147 applications and facilitated the pilgrimage of 7,008 individuals.
However, this year’s quota reduction especially for private arrangements is expected to drastically lower the number of J&K pilgrims able to perform Hajj.
The sudden announcement has drawn criticism from several political leaders. Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah said, “I appeal to the Prime Minister to speak with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and urge them not to reduce our quota of Hajj pilgrims. There is also the question of jobs here.”
Dr Farooq said he would urge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to formally write to the Prime Minister to address the issue.
Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi said the Ministry of External Affairs has taken up talks on this matter with the Saudi authorities
CM Omar, through his office’s post on X, said: “The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest.”
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti echoed the concern, posting: “Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country.”—(KNO)