Srinagar, Oct 24 (HS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Jammu and Kashmir government will use its own budget to bring back pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia if the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lacks the funds to do so, and that he will take up the issue with the Ministry.

Speaking to media after calling on the LG in Srinagar, Omar said it is not only people from J&K who are stuck, but people from across the world, because of flight cancellations in Saudi Arabia. He said it is not that planes are not flying, but that ticket prices have gone up, and those who had booked on budget airlines are finding it difficult to buy new tickets.

“We will talk to the Ministry of External Affairs and find a way out. If our people are stuck, and if the Ministry of External Affairs does not have the budget to bring them back or to help them with their tickets, then we will use our budget to bring them back,” he said.

Dozens of Umrah pilgrims from Kashmir are reportedly stranded in Saudi Arabia after flight cancellations amid regional tensions. Tour operators have sought government help to facilitate their return and ensure food and accommodation until services resume.

The MEA has said that around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims returned to India over the past week, and that arrangements are being discussed for the return of the rest.

Asked about the face-off with China along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, Omar said it is an issue for the Government of India. “There was a time when the borders of China were in touch with our state. After the separation of Ladakh, this is no longer my issue,” he said.

He said the question could be put to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh or to the central government. “I have nothing to do with it,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat