SRINAGAR: In an unprecedented turn of events, a record decline has been noted in the number of pilgrims intended to perform Hajj pilgrimage in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) due to economic hardships faced by the people of the disputed region.
The cost of undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage has gradually increased over recent years, placing a growing financial burden on pilgrims.
The number of applications for the 2025 pilgrimage in occupied Kashmir represents a staggering 55% decline from the previous year, which had witnessed a drop compared to previous years.
The significant drop in the number of Hajj pilgrims in IIOJK directly contradicts New Delhi’s narrative of prosperity and progress in the disputed territory.
Experts say that the economic difficulties faced by Kashmiris in IIOJK, aggravated by rising inflation, high unemployment and an overall cost-of-living crisis, are compelling people to prioritize essential expenses like healthcare, education and family needs over the religious pilgrimage.
A pilgrim who retired from a government job in Srinagar last year and was keen to go on Hajj withdrew his application, saying that he could not afford to spend such a huge amount.
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On condition of anonymity, he told BBC, that the cost of Hajj for two persons is $10,658 which he could not afford. He added that it was his dream to go on Hajj, but his economic condition did not allow him to fulfil the dream of Hajj.
Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, Chief Executive of the State Hajj Committee of IIOJK, told the BBC that for the first time in 22 years, the committee only received 4,300 Hajj applications out of the 7,900 quota, and 700 people have already withdrawn their applications due to economic restraints.
Reasons for the record drop in Hajj applications
Dr. Shujaat told the BBC that it is very difficult for a person to spend $ 5,329 on Hajj in this time of inflation.
Sheikh Feroz, head of the Jammu Kashmir Association of Hajj and Umrah Services, said that the main reason for the decline in the number of Hajj pilgrims is inflation, due to which people’s priorities have changed.
He said that a 75 percent decline in the business of Hajj tour operators has been recorded this time.
He went on to say that with limited economic resources and increased unemployment, the people are reluctant to spend hefty amount on Hajj putting aside their biggest desire and dream.
Pervaiz Butt, owner of a Hajj service company said that this decline did not occur suddenly.
He added that the tour operators had been noticing the drop in demand for Hajj or Umrah for many years, but this year this decline has reached a worrying level.
Economic expert Ijaz Ayub speaking to BBC said Hajj, once a cherished goal for many, is now being sidelined due to the harsh financial pressures people are facing.