National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the issue of a reported reduction in India’s Hajj quota with Saudi Arabia. His remarks come in the wake of concerns raised by some opposition leaders, though there has been no official confirmation from the government so far.
Abdullah emphasized the significance of the pilgrimage for Muslims, saying, “Every Muslim dreams of performing Hajj at least once in a lifetime.” He added, “I would like to request the prime minister to take up the matter, especially since he has close ties with the Saudi leadership.”
He urged the prime minister to convey to the Saudi authorities that the issue affects thousands of people who save for years to undertake the holy journey.
Responding to questions about the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Abdullah reiterated his party’s opposition to the law. “This Act goes against the Constitution. We had appealed for a review, and now, along with like-minded parties, we’ve approached the Supreme Court. We hope for justice,” he said.
Defending the J&K Assembly speaker’s decision to disallow a discussion on the Act, Abdullah said, “Since the matter is sub judice, the Speaker’s decision was justified.”
On opposition claims that the disruption during the last three days of the budget session in Jammu was a “fixed match,” Abdullah responded sharply. “Has the opposition ever introspected? Who handed over Auqaf properties to the state Waqf Board? It was Muslim community property,” he said, pointing to the PDP's 2003 decision to restructure the Muslim Auqaf Trust during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure.
He also accused the BJP of using communal politics to influence elections. “The BJP has always targeted Muslims to polarize votes. Unless they stop spreading hatred, the future of this country is at risk,” he said.
Commenting on the recent spate of encounters in Jammu, Abdullah said, “The BJP used to blame Article 370 for terrorism. Now that it's gone, where is the peace they promised?” He added that Pakistan continues to fuel unrest in the region. “We have appealed to them to stop, but progress remains elusive.”
On Indo-Pak relations, he said the Centre “isn’t even willing to talk.”
When asked about the recent tariff hikes by the US, Abdullah said, “Donald Trump has his own approach. For him, America comes first.”
On reports of NC MP Aga Ruhullah being named in a land scam FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Abdullah said, “I don’t know why the notice was sent to him.”