Hyderabad: Hajis from Telangana state have complained about the poor facilities rendered to them at Mina and Arafat during the recent pilgrimage. They alleged that the Haj assistants, sent along with them, were not performing their duty and most of them were not accessible.
Hajis complained on social media about their plight during the three days of rituals of Haj, particularly during the stay at Mina and Arafat.
They posted video clips describing the hardships they confronted. They complained about the ill-treatment meted out by mualimeen (Guides). Due to heavy rain in Mina, many tents were removed and the Hajis could not sleep.
They stated that it was announced that the meals would be supplied by the mualimeen during the stay in Mina Valley, but they did not provide food on time in a proper manner. Many of the state pilgrims could not use their food token and they had to buy food from outside.
Some Hajis complained that the Haj assistants of the state proved helpless during the stay in Mina and Arafat.
They have requested authorities of the State Haj Committee to draw the attention of the Ministry of Minorities Affairs.
However, chairman, Telangana Haj committee, Mr. Masihullah Khan, said the responsibilities of the State Haj Committee were limited and beyond the embarkation point they had no role. In the holy cities, the Indian Embassy and Consulate General have to look after Indian pilgrims. Mualimeen work under the direct control of the Indian Embassy, however Haj assistants sent by the State had to coordinate with the Haj authorities and provide their assistance to the Hajis.
“If we received complaints against a particular Haj assistant we will take action against them and collect the amount spent on them by the government. They will be blacklisted in the future,” he said.
