NC dismayed over ‘poor reception’ to Hajj pilgrims on their arrival

Srinagar, June 23: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar on Sunday said the reception accorded to Hajj pilgrims by “lower-ranking officials” is a departure from established protocol and “incredibly disrespectful”.
Sagar in a statement issued here expressed disdain for the “lack of respect” by the LG admin while welcoming the pilgrims back from their sacred journey to Hajj-e-Baitullah in Saudi Arabia.
“It was quite disrespectful to have only low-ranking bureaucrats while welcoming hajjis. After all, these pilgrims have just completed a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said adding, “The traditional practice of the head of the state welcoming the first batch of Hajis at the Srinagar International Airport has been abandoned. Instead, low-ranking bureaucrats greeted the returning pilgrims who had just completed their sacred journey to Hajj-e-Baitullah in Saudi Arabia.”
He added, “This unexpected change not only breaks with long-standing protocol in a Muslim-majority region but also wounds the hearts of their family members eagerly awaiting their return. The significance of this “departure” cannot be understated, as it marks a stark departure from the usual customs and traditions that have been upheld by successive civilian governments.”
The absence of the Lieutenant Governor at the airport has left many to question the reasons behind this “sudden and unexpected shift” in the protocol, Sagar said.