Anger, confusion in Kashmir over Hajj 2008 arrangements

Srinagar, Nov 2 (UNI) Anger and confusion prevailed in the Kashmir valley where the State Hajj Committee (SHC) has cancelled special Hajj flight from here to Jeddah for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, another batch of 196 hajjis from Jammu and Kashmir left for Jeddah today, official sources said.

With this a total of 736 hajjis left for Jeddah since the departure of hajis started from here on October 30.

About 8000 pilgrims from the state will perform Hajj-2008 this year in the holy cities of Mecca and Madina.

Official sources said that SHC had not received the passports and visa from the Central Haj Committee (CHC) for the pilgrims who were scheduled to leave from here tomorrow for Jeddah.

The pilgrims strongly protested against the cancellation of the flight and blamed the SHC for it.

A number of other pilgrims, selected under additional quota, said they have yet to get the dates for their departure as SHC said that our visa and passport has not been received so far.

It is a total confusion this time, the pilgrims said adding that this is for the first time such a situation was witnessed by the hajis from the state.

However, the authorities here have expressed their helplessness saying visa, passport and other arrangements for the hajis are being by the CHC.

UNI BAS RL HT1538