The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has strongly condemned the significant disparity in airfare for Haj pilgrims traveling from Srinagar compared to those departing from Delhi and Mumbai. The Forum describes this disparity as an unjust financial burden on the pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, calling for immediate intervention to address the issue.
According to the Haj Guidelines, the airfare for pilgrims traveling from Srinagar to Jeddah/Madina is set at ₹1,66,811, whereas from Delhi, it is ₹92,054, creating a massive difference of ₹74,757. Even after accounting for the approximate ₹10,000 cost of a domestic flight from Srinagar to Delhi, the additional financial burden on Kashmiri pilgrims remains ₹64,857.
The discrepancy is even more pronounced for pilgrims traveling from Mumbai, where the airfare difference stands at ₹83,702. After factoring in a ₹12,000 domestic flight fare from Srinagar to Mumbai, the disparity still amounts to ₹71,702 per pilgrim.
Urgent Questions Raised
Why is there such a large difference in airfare for Haj pilgrims from Srinagar, despite the government's laid-down guidelines?
Are Kashmiri pilgrims being unfairly charged, and if so, on what grounds?
If airfare is determined through a uniform bidding process, why is this disparity affecting pilgrims from Srinagar?
Shouldn’t the government ensure a fair and equitable pricing mechanism across all embarkation points?
The issue is of great concern, as it significantly impacts the ability of many pilgrims to undertake the sacred Haj journey. The financial burden imposed on them is neither justified nor in line with the principles of fairness and equality.
Call for Government Action
The JKCSF urges the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to take up this matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Haj Committee of India. The Forum calls on the government to ensure a rationalized and uniform airfare structure for all embarkation points, including Srinagar, so that pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are not subjected to unnecessary financial hardships.
Additionally, JKCSF urges the authorities to reconsider the bidding process for Haj chartered flights and implement measures to eliminate regional disparities in airfare.
A Plea for Justice
Haj is a sacred duty for Muslims, and financial obstacles should not prevent pilgrims from fulfilling this religious obligation. The JKCSF remains committed to advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to raise this issue at all relevant forums until a fair and just resolution is achieved.
