JKCSF slams unjust Haj airfare disparity for Kashmiri pilgrims

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-02-26 12:48:16 |

Share: WhatsApp| Facebook| Twitter| Visits: 518

'If airfare is determined through uniform bidding process, why are Srinagar pilgrims disproportionately affected'

Srinagar, Feb 26: The Jammu and  Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) on Wednesday expressed its concern over the "glaring disparity" in the airfare for Haj pilgrims traveling from Srinagar as compared to those embarking from Delhi and Mumbai.

In a handout issued here, Chairman JKCSF, Abdul Qayoom Wani said this financial burden on pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir was unacceptable and must be addressed at the highest level.

Referring to the Haj Guidelines, Qayoom Wani said the airfare for pilgrims traveling from Srinagar to Jeddah/Madina has been set at ₹1,66,811, while from Delhi, it is ₹92,054, resulting in a massive difference of ₹74,757.

"Even after deducting the approximate cost of a domestic flight from Srinagar to Delhi (₹10,000), the additional burden on Kashmiri pilgrims remains at ₹64,857," Wani said.

He said the disparity was even higher for Mumbai, where the airfare difference is ₹83,702.

"If we account for a ₹12,000 fare from Srinagar to Mumbai, the unjustified gap still stands at ₹71,702 per pilgrim," Wani in a statement said.

He questioned the government on "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," Wani asked.

He asked the government to 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," Wani said.

He said the financial burden imposed on them is neither justified nor in line with the principles of fairness and equality.

"We appeal 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," he said.

Wani said the government should ensure a rationalized and uniform airfare structure for all embarkation points, including Srinagar.

"So that Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are not subjected to unnecessary financial hardships," Wani said.

Wani urged the concerned authorities to reconsider the bidding process for Haj chartered flights and to introduce mechanisms that eliminate regional disparities in airfare.

"Haj is a sacred duty for Muslims, and unnecessary financial burdens should not become an obstacle for pilgrims fulfilling this religious obligation," Wani said.

He said JKCSF will remain committed to advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

"We will continue to raise this issue at all relevant forums until a fair resolution is achieved," Qayoom Wani said.