SRINAGAR: Women without a Mahram who are currently performing Hajj have accused the government of depriving them of basic facilities. They claim that the poor condition of hotels, long distances, and lack of Khadim (guide) for their training have severely affected their pilgrimage.
A group of women from Kashmir, speaking to the news agency KNO, said that despite the government’s claims of providing special facilities and arrangements for them, they have been left to rely on luck at Azizia, which is nearly 14 kilometers away from Harram Shareef.
“We were informed that the accommodations would be close to Harram Shareef, but we have been given accommodation nearly 14 kilometers away,” one of the pilgrims said. She added that there are no medical or other facilities available, and she was even forced to buy a ‘strepsil’ from the market.
“Many women who are performing Hajj for the first time without a Mahram are suffering from various health issues, but unfortunately, there is no one to help them. Even the wheelchairs are being managed by fellow pilgrims,” she said. This is happening despite paying a hefty sum for special facilities.
Interestingly, she mentioned that the women Khadims, who were appointed to train them, have not appeared even once to guide the lady pilgrims and teach them the ‘Arkans’ of Hajj.
“Most of the women are illiterate and don’t even understand Urdu. Who will guide them? Who will teach them? How will they perform Hajj?” she questioned.
The group of lady pilgrims stated, “If our issues are not addressed, we will raise our voices and never encourage anyone to perform Hajj without a Mahram.”
Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of the Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee (JKHC), informed KNO that a coordinator has been appointed for every building to assist the pilgrims there.
“The Khadims have already been appointed, and they will commence training soon. However, if the pilgrims are facing hardships, they should approach the coordinator to resolve the issue,” he said.
Nevertheless, the women’s group stated that no coordinator has been appointed for them as they have not seen anyone so far to assist them. (KNO)
