Srinagar, June 2 -- Saudi authorities have stopped more than 269,000 people without valid Hajj permits from entering the holy city of Mecca, officials announced on Sunday, ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

At a press briefing, officials said 269,678 individuals were denied access for lacking the required documentation. The move comes as part of efforts to manage crowds and ensure safety during the pilgrimage.

Authorities also penalised over 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service companies. "The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands," said Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari, warning that violators face fines of up to $5,000, deportation, and other pena...