Srinagar, Apr 14: Chairperson, Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Monday expressed concerns over reduced Hajj quota by Saudi Arabia this year. She said the quota is being fixed by Saudi authorities, however added the central government will take up the matter with Saudi authorities for a reasonable solution.
“The Hajj slots are determined by the Saudi government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken up talks on this matter with the Saudi authorities,” Dr Andrabi told reporters here.
It is pertinent to mention that Saudi Arabia has taken many crowd control measures for Hajj 2025, including new travel restrictions and the suspension of certain visa issuances to people from 14 countries, including India. As a result, about 52,000 Indian pilgrims face uncertainty after the Kingdom cancelled access to Mina zones that were earlier allotted to private tour operators.
Dr Andrabi emphasized that while the Hajj quota allocation is outside the domain of local or central religious bodies, the central government is aware of the situation and will look into this for more favourable solutions for the Muslims across India.
She also expressed joy at the much-awaited inauguration of the railway line in the region. “It is a moment of happiness. People have been waiting eagerly for this connectivity, and hopefully it will bring great relief and progress,” she said.
Replying to a query she reiterated the stand of Government of India over restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood will be restored through Parliament. The Prime Minister and Home Minister have promised its restoration at an appropriate time. So we must wait for that moment,” she responded.
Paying homage to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, Dr Andrabi praised the architect of the Indian Constitution, and lauded his immense contribution to India’s constitution and foundation for the modern democratic framework, calling him a visionary whose work continues to shape the nation.
