Maharashtra Haj pilgrims can embark from Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Haj pilgrims of Hingoli, Latur, Nanded and Parbhani districts of Maharashtra can embark from Hyderabad this year.

The Haj Committee of India’s guidelines provide the pilgrims an option to choose Hyderabad or Mumbai.

Telangana Haj Committee chairman Masihullah Khan said Hyderabad was designated as the embarkation point by the Central Haj Committee for pilgrims of TS and AP and from Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Yadgir districts of Karnataka.

He said a delegation of the Maharashtra Haj Committee, led by its chairman Jamal Siddiqui had visited the Haj Committee and interacted on various issues.

“We offered to provide our services to pilgrims who wish to leave from Hyderabad,” he said.

Mr Masihullah Khan said the Centre was actively considering expanding the domain of the Haj Committee. Once the amendments are carried out to the Haj Committee Act, 1959, the TS Haj Committee will start Umrah and Ziyarat pilgrimages.

Speaking about complaints of pilgrims being cheated by tour operators, he said If the Haj Committees provide services for Umrah and Ziyarat, the expenses will reduce and pilgrims will not suffer.