Srinagar, Jul 28: No electricity, no air conditioners and no transport facilities have exposed State Hajj Committee which had boasted of adequate facilities for Kashmiri Hajis in Saudi Arabia this year.
Around 12,000 Kashmiris have gone to Saudi Arabia on Hajj pilgrimage this year. However, the authorities have failed to provide basic facilities to the Hajis who are braving 48 degree temperature in two holy cities.
A video has also gone viral where the Hajis are craving for basic facilities. “How can we live in 48 degree Celsius without ACs? There is no electricity. We are being provided muddy water,” one of the Hajis is heard saying in the video.
Another Haji said they have paid huge amount to perform the Hajj. “But we have to beg for the basic facilities,” he said.
“Where is Hajj Committee of India and J&K,” screamed another Haji.
Showkat Ahmad from Pulwama, whose relative has gone on the pilgrimage said they have been told that Hajis are craving for basic facilities.
“The relative told me that they have been put up in a hotel at Azizia, which is in shambles. Some have been sleeping on roads as several hotels are without electricity,” Ahmad said.
“Their hotel is more than 8-kilometres away from Haram. They are not provided any transport facility to reach Haram Sharif,” he said. Ahmad said Khudams are not visible most of the time and there is no proper grievance redressal mechanism.
“Khadims designated for Kashmiri pilgrims are not cooperating. A room which can accommodate three persons is being shared by six. They have been left at the mercy of God,” he added.
National Conference President and Member Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah also expressed dismay over the lack of facilities at Makkah and Madina.
“Hajj pilgrims are sending distressing messages to their kin back home about the facilities at Makkah. The Hajis from Kashmir are complaining about the lack of basic facilities,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer, JK State Hajj Committee, Abdul Salam Mir said they have raised the issue with Hajj Committee of India. “We have received these complaints. We hope they won’t face any more inconveniences,” he added.
