Hajj 2025: Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims demand refund for curtailed stay in Saudi by 12 days
We are pursuing refund with HCOI: Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Qureshi
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Dozens of Kashmiri Hajis who returned from the sacred pilgrimage staged a protest at the Hajj House in Srinagar Saturday, demanding a refund after their stay in Saudi Arabia was reduced by 12 days, reports said.
The pilgrims, who were originally promised a 45-day stay, were brought back in just 33 days as their departures were disrupted due to India and Pakistan war in May this year.
The aggrieved Hajis met Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee at Hajj house Srinagar and voiced their dissatisfaction.
Many expressed their resentment by saying that they had mentally, spiritually, and financially prepared for a 45-day journey, and felt deprived of a complete experience.
One of the pilgrims from Anantnag, said, “We spent our lifetime savings for this sacred journey. Cutting it short like this has deeply hurt our sentiments. We demand justice.”
Another Haji, said: “We were not informed properly about the changes. We had planned to spend more time at holy sites. This early return has left us disheartened.”
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Qureshi said, “The matter has been taken up with the Haj Committee of India. We understand the concerns of our Kashmiri pilgrims and are actively pursuing the case for a refund corresponding to the 10 days that were cut short. We are hopeful that compensation will be processed soon.”
The Hajis said their early return disrupted planned visits to significant religious sites and affected their spiritual schedule.
While expressing appreciation for the prompt response from the local Hajj Committee, they insisted that authorities ensure transparency and urgency in processing the refund.
This incident has also reignited conversations around the need for better coordination and contingency planning during sensitive geopolitical periods that may affect pilgrimage schedules.
