India asks Saudi Arabia to reconsider 20% Haj quota cut
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| Hajj: Kaaba in Mecca: people performing Tawaf (circumambulating) the Kaaba. |
NEW DELH: Jun 12, 2013: India on Tuesday asked Saudi Arabia to reconsider its decision to reduce the number of overseas pilgrims to the country by 20%.
"We have been informed by the Saudi government that they intend to bring about reduction of 50% internal pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for the Haj and 20% from all pilgrims overseas. Given the fact that the processes for Haj pilgrimage have already been initiated, we have requested the Saudi authorities both in Delhi and in Riyadh to reconsider their decision taking into account the advanced stage of preparations. We are awaiting a response from them,'' said foreign ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
Last year over 125,000 Indian pilgrims went for Haj. The official added that India has indicated to the kingdom that India will "require slightly larger numbers" this year. As per bilateral Haj agreement signed between government of India and Saudi Arabia, the quota allocated to India for Haj-2012 was 170,000 with 125,000 to go through the Haj Committee of India (HCOI) and 45,000 through Private Tour Operators (PTOs).
"We have been informed by the Saudi government that they intend to bring about reduction of 50% internal pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for the Haj and 20% from all pilgrims overseas. Given the fact that the processes for Haj pilgrimage have already been initiated, we have requested the Saudi authorities both in Delhi and in Riyadh to reconsider their decision taking into account the advanced stage of preparations. We are awaiting a response from them,'' said foreign ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
Last year over 125,000 Indian pilgrims went for Haj. The official added that India has indicated to the kingdom that India will "require slightly larger numbers" this year. As per bilateral Haj agreement signed between government of India and Saudi Arabia, the quota allocated to India for Haj-2012 was 170,000 with 125,000 to go through the Haj Committee of India (HCOI) and 45,000 through Private Tour Operators (PTOs).
Courtesy: The Times of India
