Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims allege Haj duration cut short without explanation

Srinagar – Several Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have expressed deep distress over what they allege is an abrupt and unexplained shortening of their pilgrimage by the Hajj Committee of India.

In an SOS message received by Ziraat Times, a pilgrim reported that their original return date from the holy city of Madina Sharif was scheduled for July 10, as per the official itinerary issued by the Hajj Committee. However, to their shock, a revised schedule was suddenly issued, requiring them to leave Mecca Sharif on June 22 and depart Saudi Arabia by July 1, thereby reducing the duration of their pilgrimage by nearly one-fourth.

“We had planned for a 40–42 day Hajj journey, for which we paid ₹4.07 lakh. Now we are being forced to return early, without any explanation. This is causing immense emotional and spiritual anguish,” said the pilgrim.

The message added that a group of around 100 affected pilgrims tried to seek an explanation from the Officer-in-Charge of the Hajj Committee of India in Mecca. However, after waiting for two hours in the intense heat, they were reportedly not given any satisfactory response.

“It seemed like an arbitrary order. We were warned to comply or face action. We feel completely helpless,” said the caller.

According to the pilgrim, around 650 Kashmiri pilgrims are affected by the sudden change, with many expressing that the decision has disrupted the core spiritual experience of Hajj.

The affected pilgrims have appealed to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Hajj Committee of India to intervene and address the matter urgently, and to ensure such decisions are communicated transparently and with adequate justification.

As of now, no official clarification has been issued by the Hajj Committee of India regarding the reasons for the rescheduling.