PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Centre to intervene after Saudi Arabia reportedly slashed India’s private Hajj quota by 80 per cent. Calling the move disturbing, Mufti said the pilgrims were distressed and the MEA should raise the matter with Riyadh.

“Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country. Urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution,” she posted on X.

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The office of JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also flagged the issue before the Minister of External Affairs, seeking its intervention. 

“The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs@DrSJaishankarto engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” the CM Office said. 

Notably, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has withdrawn the Mina zones that were previously assigned to private tour operators (PTOs), officially known as Combined Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs). Mina, located near Mecca, is a tent city where pilgrims stay for four days as part of the Haj rituals.

The authorities have cancelled zones 1 and 2, and halted payment processing for zones 3, 4, and 5. This sudden move affected the 26 CHGOs from India, who were set to take around 52,000 pilgrims, as per TOI. These organisers had planned and booked accommodations based on the zones promised to the pilgrims. 

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With Haj scheduled for the first week of June, this unexpected decision has raised major concerns for people who wish to go on this pilgrimage.