The dream of performing Hajj has gone out of reach for many in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir owing to Narendra Modi-led government’s crippling economic policies in the territory. According to Kashmir Media Service, this year, a significant drop in applications has been witnessed as only 400 applied against the allotted quote of 11500.
Direct and indirect measures taken by the Modi government to weaken the territory’s economy including deliberate attempts to destroy local businesses and fruit market and skyrocketing pilgrimage costs are cited as some main factors behind sharp drop in Hajj applications.
This number is a stark contrast to the 14,200 applications received last year. “The overarching factor is the inflation affecting the affordability of the pilgrimage,” lamented an aspiring pilgrim.
In another brutal measure aimed at increasing the Kashmiris’ dependence on India, the authorities are ‘advising’ the Kashmiri applicants to embark from Delhi or Mumbai, instead of Srinagar.—KMS
