Srinagar, Sep 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj & Umrah Companies has urged the Government of India to facilitate direct international flights from Srinagar Airport to Saudi Arabia for pilgrims, so that immigration procedures can be completed within the Valley instead of New Delhi.
The demand was put forth during the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Association, which was held at SKICC Srinagar on Saturday. The meeting was followed by an extensive discussion on Hajj-related matters, attended by Member of Parliament Rahullah Mehdi, legislators Farooq Ahmed Shah and Sheikh Khurshid, as well as prominent Islamic scholars including Mufti Nazir Qasmi.
The participants unanimously stressed the need for easing travel hardships faced by Hajj and Umrah aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir. They said the existing system of routing pilgrims through New Delhi not only causes logistical difficulties but also places an additional financial burden on travelers.
Addressing the gathering, Member Parliament Rahullah Mehdi appealed to tour and travel operators to ensure better facilities for pilgrims. He also cautioned them against getting trapped in unnecessary controversies and urged collective efforts to safeguard the sanctity of religious travel.
The Association highlighted that Hajj and Umrah are purely religious obligations and should therefore be exempted from Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other levies. They said that the imposition of taxes on services connected with pilgrimages is unfair and adds to the financial strain on aspirants.
During the discussions, participants also emphasized the need for more transparent mechanisms, better coordination with airlines, and improved infrastructure to ensure smooth operations for pilgrims departing from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Association said it will soon submit a memorandum to the central government reiterating these demands and pressing for early action. [KNT]
