Holy Water supply affected in flights due to ban: AI

Kozhikode, Feb 27 (UNI) National carrier Air India (AI) today clarified that they were unable to supply 'Zam Zam' (Holy Water) to Haj pilgrims this year as Saudi Arabia had denied permission to export it.

In a letter addressed to Kerala State Haj Committee, AI Station Manager Yogesh Mundhwa said ''despite taking up the issue with the highest authorities in Saudi Arabia, we did not succeed in getting 'Zam Zam' as its export is prohibited by the Kingdom through a royal decree.'' The agency, which supplied the Holy Water to AI earlier, discontinued the arrangements after they had entered into an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Airlines, it said.

The Haj Committee had announced its plans to go on an agitation, including a dharna before the AI office tomorrow in protest against the AI's ''failure'' to provide the water to the pilgrims.

UNI PCH AJ LS VC2110