By Tarique Anwar, TwoCircles.net
Haj 2007 will haunt many Hajis for years to come. There were many problems for the returning Hajis and troubles were reported from several parts of the country including Bihar, Kerala and UP. Delay in flights at Jeddah, extra surcharge on baggage, missing of baggage and Zamzam were among the troubles faced by Hajis. TwoCircles.net’s Tarique Anwar discussed the problems with Mr. Zainul Abedin, Executive Officer of Bihar State Haj Committee. Excerpts.
TCN: What problems did Hajis face this year?
Z. Abedin: Many Hajis did not get their luggage and Zamzam water. Their flights were late because Air India officials did not make proper arrangements.
TCN: What do you think were the reasons for the problems?
Z. Abedin: Actually Air India had hired planes from other airlines in place of its own. The hired planes were of lower capacity and were unable to carry Hajis with their luggage. That’s why the planes took off with Hajis only, leaving their luggage at Jeddah airport.
Moreover, flights for five states — Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh landed at Kolkata airport. When the luggage arrived at Kolkata airport, they were not properly dispatched to connecting flights. The result? Luggage of Hajis of one state were sent to another state.
TCN: How many Hajis were affected?
Z. Abedin: We have not any exact figure because no one filed a formal complaint with the Committee. We are hearing complaints at the airport. But almost all returning Hajis have complained against Air India.
TCN: How much responsible is the State Haj Committee for the inconvenience to Hajis?
Z. Abedin: Bihar Haj Committee does not play any role in the travel arrangements. Everything is handled by the central Haj Committee of India (HCI). HCI hires airlines and make all travel arrangements. We are here only to receive application forms and bank drafts and to forward them to the HCI. We work just like a post office.
TCN: When do you expect all missing luggage of Hajis will reach Patna?
Z. Abedin: According to Air India officials they will reach here between 20th and 21st January 2008.
TCN: Did you ask higher authorities of Air India about the problems?
Z. Abedin: Yes. We have contacted Mr. Ghoshal, Chairman of Air India. He sent us a fax which says that Jeddah airport authority is not allowing the airline to bring luggage. But it is a lame excuse; after all, why will Jeddah not allow Air India to bring back belongings of Hajis from India?
TCN: Has Bihar State Haj Committee filed any complaint with the central Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding these issues?
Z. Abedin: Yes, not only the state committee but also the Chief Minister has written a letter to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation, seeking a high level probe and immediate solution to the problems of Hajis. We have also written a letter to HCI. We have told them that if the situation persists, there will be abrupt downfall in the number of Hajis from the state. This will be a sad thing for us. We want our committee emerge as leader in the country.
TCN: What steps are being taken to make sure that the problems do not recurn?
Z. Abedin: We have sent a proposal to HCI to hire other airlines in place of Air India as it is not providing better facilities. But we can only suggest. Everything is to be decided by the HCI, Ministry of Civil Aviations and DGI Jeddah.
TCN: Are you hopeful about your proposal.
Z. Abedin: Certainly. We are a leading committee in the country. A total of 3545 Hajis from the state went on Haj this year. The number will definitely go up next year.
TCN: In view of the poor arrangement this year, how can you expect the number will increase?
Z. Abedin: The Chief Minister has ordered a high level probe into Air India operation and soon the problem will be sorted out. We have called a meeting of all State Haj Committees. In that meeting we will put our demands before the HCI and other officials concerned to Haj arrangement. We will ensure things are better next year.