CM Omar assures financial support to stranded Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for their return to home
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 24 (STC): Assuring that if the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) fails to provide financial assistance for the return of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia or to make alternative travel arrangements for them, the Jammu and Kashmir government will ensure their return by spending money from its budget.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated this today as, according to him, he is in constant touch with the MEA to resolve the problems faced by the pilgrims. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that not only the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also people belonging to different states of the country are stranded in Saudi Arabia due to the cancellation of flights. He said that this is a major issue and the government is well aware that the affected people are facing difficulties in reaching their homeland.
He explained that the main problem in the current situation is not the complete suspension of flights but the extraordinary increase in air ticket fares, due to which it has become difficult for many passengers to buy alternative tickets. He said that many Umrah pilgrims had already booked tickets on low-cost airlines for their return, but after the cancellation of flights, they are having to make new travel arrangements.
According to Omar Abdullah, the sudden and huge increase in air fares has further increased the difficulties of these pilgrims, as it is no longer easy for those who had planned to travel at low prices. In such a situation, many pilgrims are not only worried about their return arrangements but are also finding it difficult to bear the expenses of their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The Chief Minister said that the Jammu and Kashmir government will continue to communicate with the Ministry of External Affairs so that a workable solution can be found to this problem and the stranded pilgrims can reach their homes safely. He made it clear that the government will not leave the affected people alone and will not hesitate to provide financial resources for their return if needed.
“The government is ready to spend money from its budget to bring back the stranded Kashmiris,” the CM said.
(Straight Talk Communications)
