Jammu Tawi, April 14 -- Jammu and Kashmir's top mainstream politicians have expressed concern over reports of an abrupt 80 per cent cut in India's private Hajj quota, and urged the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up the matter with authorities in Saudi Arabia.



The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning.



"I urge Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake...