Pilgrims seek LG, CM’s intervention as prolonged stay adds to financial difficulties
Suhail Rather
Srinagar, Oct 23 (KNS): At least 34 Umrah pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir remain stranded in Saudi Arabia following the suspension of flights, leaving them unable to return home nearly 10 days after their scheduled departure.
The pilgrims, who were scheduled to return on October 13, have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and concerned airlines.
The stranded pilgrims said the prolonged stay has placed an additional financial burden on them, with expenses for accommodation, food and medicines continuing to rise.
While some passengers have returned through alternative routes and connecting flights, others said they were unable to afford the higher fares.
According to information shared by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, IndiGo has extended the suspension of its Riyadh services until October 31, while flights connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah remain cancelled until October 27.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended services on Saudi routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its flight cancellations until October 27.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The flight disruptions have affected Indian nationals travelling between India and Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims who had completed their Umrah pilgrimage and were awaiting their return journeys.
The Ministry of External Affairs has said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to assist affected passengers.
Indian missions have also established round-the-clock control rooms and are providing assistance through community volunteers.
Passengers requiring urgent travel have been advised to explore alternative routes through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to visa requirements.
The stranded pilgrims have urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to coordinate with the Centre and facilitate their early return, saying their financial resources are running low. (KNS)
