Rs10,000 Airfare Hike for Haj Pilgrims Sparks Protest A sudden increase of Rs10,000 in airfare per pilgrim for this year’s Haj pilgrimage has ignited widespread frustration among applicants, prompting the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’s Nagpur unit to organize a protest against the decision. The Haj flights, which began on April 24, have already transported a significant portion of the pilgrims to Mecca, with approximately 1.75 lakh individuals from across the country participating in the pilgrimage this year. As of April 28, nearly 50% of these pilgrims had reached Mecca via Medina, though the additional airfare charge has drawn sharp criticism. The protest was led by Atique Qureshi, the general secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’s Nagpur unit, who condemned the hike as “unjustified and condemnable.” He highlighted that airfare agreements between the Haj Committee of India and airlines are typically finalized six to seven months in advance, making the abrupt increase inappropriate. Qureshi emphasized that many pilgrims are accompanied by four to five family members, and the Rs10,000 per-person charge has significantly burdened their finances. Some families, he noted, are struggling to cover the extra costs at short notice, as earning members have already reached Mecca. A delegation from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Nagpur visited the Divisional Commissioner’s office to formally register their objections. The delegation included prominent figures such as Hafiz Masood, Haji Mohammad Shoaib Rana, Haji Mohammad Sameer, Haji Mohammad Zahid, and Shahbaz Akhtar. Qureshi urged the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to reconsider the decision and provide immediate relief to affected pilgrims.#haj_committee_of_india #jamiat_ulema_e_hind #atique_qureshi #hafiz_masood #haji_mohammad_shoaib_rana
Arbitrary shift in Haj embarkation points leaves Nagpur pilgrims distressed Nagpur: An alleged arbitrary and last-minute shift in Haj embarkation points has left several pilgrims from Nagpur and surrounding regions distressed, after many were moved to the Mumbai departure list without prior notice. The sudden change disrupted travel plans for pilgrims who had been preparing for months to depart from Nagpur. Many now face logistical challenges, additional travel costs, and uncertainty. Sources said that in several cases, members of the same family have been assigned to different departure centres, forcing them to travel separately. Former Maharashtra cabinet minister Anees Ahmed termed the move "insensitive" and "poorly planned." He said the abrupt change has caused confusion and emotional distress among pilgrims, many of whom are elderly or require assistance during the journey. "Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Pilgrims prepare well in advance — financially and emotionally. Such sudden changes not only disturb their plans but also impose an unfair financial burden," he said. Ahmed also flagged the lack of transparency, stating that such decisions weaken trust in the system. He emphasised that Nagpur is a crucial embarkation point for pilgrims from Vidarbha and nearby regions, and any changes affecting it must be handled with fairness. A formal deputation has been submitted through the Maharashtra State Haj Committee to the Haj Committee of India and Union minister of minority affairs, Kiren Rijiju, seeking immediate intervention. With the Haj season approaching, affected pilgrims have urged authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest, ensuring that their journey begins without further stress or uncertainty.#nagpur #kiren_rijiju #maharashtra_state_haj_committee #maharashtra_cabinet_minister #haj_committee_of_india
