KL Report
SRINAGAR
Expressing dismay over the exorbitant airfare being charged from the Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday sought the intervention of Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj.
“I am surprised to learn that Air India last year charged Rs 1.54 lakh as ticket cost per pilgrim for those who had taken flight from Srinagar when the cost from other embarkation points across the country was around Rs 62,802. It is not only a huge financial burden for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir but also discriminatory,” she told Swaraj, a party statement said.
Mehbooba said that the External Affairs and Civil Aviation Ministries should look into the matter and ensure uniform airfare for Hajj pilgrims across the country.
She also demanded improvement in facilities for Hajj pilgrims. She identified accommodation for pilgrims as a major issue and said there was a need to think about a long-term solution to the issue.
Swaraj assured Mehbooba that the issues raised by her, especially regarding exorbitant air fare would be looked into, the statement added.
Mehbooba also demanded increase in Hajj quota for Jammu and Kashmir.
