Srinagar, Oct 24: The J&K Association of Hajj and Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) on Saturday sought urgent government intervention to facilitate the return of Umrah pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions.
Addressing a press conference at Sangarmal, Srinagar, JKAHUC President Sheikh Feroz appealed to the government to coordinate with the concerned authorities and airlines to arrange return flights for the stranded passengers and minimise the difficulties faced by them.
Feroz said the association was in contact with airlines and the Indian Embassy to explore possible arrangements for passengers holding valid tickets. He said flight restrictions at Jeddah had disrupted travel plans, leaving many pilgrims uncertain about their return dates.
“We want to bring them back to their homes as soon as possible,” Feroz said, appealing to the government to extend all possible assistance to resolve the situation
According to him, around 150 stranded passengers were associated with JKAHUC, while another 150 to 200 were outside the association, taking the estimated number of stranded passengers from J&K to 300–400.
He said the situation in Saudi Arabia was currently calm and that the stranded pilgrims had been accommodated and provided with food. However, the disruption has prolonged their stay, adding to the difficulties of pilgrims who had travelled for Umrah with limited financial resources.
The association, he said, was working with local businesses to facilitate affordable accommodation and food for the affected passengers. It was also exploring alternative airline options to help those holding valid tickets return home at the earliest.
Feroz said the pilgrims were unlikely to return in a single flight because their scheduled travel dates differed, making two or three flights a more feasible possibility.
He urged the stranded passengers to remain patient, maintain contact with those assisting them and cooperate with the arrangements being made. He also asked their families to stay in touch with them and avoid unnecessary panic.
The association said coordinated efforts involving the government, airlines, the Indian Embassy and other concerned stakeholders were necessary to expedite the return of the stranded pilgrims and prevent further hardship amid continuing uncertainty over flight operations.
