GUWAHATI: Assam AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya has raised concerns over alleged lack of government facilities for Haj pilgrims from the state, despite Assam sending the highest number of pilgrims annually.
Barbhuiya stated that approximately 4000 pilgrims from Assam undertake the Haj pilgrimage each year, but face significant hardships due to inadequate accommodation in Guwahati.
Barbhuiya stated, “An average of 4000 pilgrims from Assam go for Haj every year. But they have to face great difficulties in Guwahati due to the lack of a place to stay. There is a private staying place for the pilgrims in the city which cannot accommodate such large numbers.”
He stated that while pilgrims gather in Guwahati before embarking on their journey to Saudi Arabia, the current private accommodations fall short of meeting the demand.
“I have made arrangements for the stay of a few people, but it was not sufficient. The state government must immediately intervene to take steps so that Haj pilgrims do not face inconvenience in the state,” he added.
Barbhuiya pointed out that in contrast, Kolkata offers luxurious accommodations for Haj pilgrims, allowing them to proceed to Makkah and Madinah without any issues.
Adding to the criticism, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal claimed that Haj pilgrims from Assam are required to pay an additional fee of Rs 51,000 for embarkation from Guwahati.
“Why should pilgrims be charged more in Assam compared to other states?” Ajmal questioned.
Meanwhile, Ajmal has also sent a letter to the union minority affairs minister, appealing for the reimbursement of the additional charges paid by Haj pilgrims from Assam, urged the government to address this disparity and ease the financial burden on the pilgrims.