JEDDAH: The Indian External Affairs minister S.M. Krishna, visiting the Kingdom to discuss various issues of Haj management, has asked for an increase in the number of Indian pilgrims permitted to perform Haj this year. Krishna, speaking at a press conference Saturday at the Trident Hotel here, said that during his meeting with Fuad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi, the Minister of Haj, he explained the problems which pilgrims face and requested an increase of the quota of Indian pilgrims. “I have requested the Saudi government to increase the number of pilgrims this year, because there is more demand almost every year, and as a result, we want a substantial increase in the quota,” said Krishna. Last year almost 171,000 Indian pilgrims performed Haj. “I hope we will get permission to send more pilgrims this year,” he added . “My presence here in Jeddah is to underline the importance that the government of India gives to the Haj pilgrimage. It is the desire of the Indian government to assist pilgrims in every possible manner so that they can perform a successful Haj,” Krishna said. On the issue of problems that Indian pilgrims faced last year, Krishna said that he is fully aware of the complaints of Indian Haj pilgrims and the difficulties they encountered. “Our housing and transportation is a huge problem which should be tackled seriously, so pilgrims will feel comfortable in performing their religious duty,” he said. The Indian Haj committee also decided to introduced a standard size suitcase for pilgrims. “We decided to regulate the size of suitcase that Haj pilgrims can carry, so it will be easy for them and for airlines to handle their luggage. Pilgrims are permitted to take 45kg in their suitcase, with a 10 kg handbag and 10 liters of Zamzam water,” said Mohsina Kidwai, chairperson of the Indian Haj committee.
