As Saudi Arabia ‘cuts’ Indian private Hajj quota by 80%, Omar, Mehbooba express concern

Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), voiced alarm on Sunday about allegations of a sudden 80% reduction in India's private Hajj quota and asked the external affairs ministry to speak with Riyadh authorities about the issue. Mufti described the situation as "disturbing" and claimed that pilgrims and tour companies were distressed by the action.

Unsettling information is coming out of Saudi Arabia. Eighty percent of India's private Haj quota has reportedly been suddenly reduced. Travel agencies and pilgrims across are in great turmoil as a result of this abrupt decision. Mehbooba posted on X (previously Twitter) to urge the Ministry of External Affairs to step in right now and take up this issue with the Saudi administration in order to find a solution.

The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for more than 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already paid, is extremely alarming, according to the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.