Indian govt withdraws Haj subsidy

ISLAMABAD: The Indian government has announced not give subsidy to its Muslim population for performing Haj in the name of “their empowerment” from this year. The decision has been taken India’s anti-Muslim extremist Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the action has been taken under ridiculous plea. According to Indian media thousands of Muslims who go on Haj pilgrimage each year will no longer get subsidised or cheaper air tickets, the government said Tuesday. The big move would help empower Muslims with dignity, said Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, adding, "We believe in empowerment without appeasement." The minister said despite Haj subsidy being withdrawn, about 1.75 lakh Muslims would go on the pilgrimage this year after Saudi Arabia increased India's quota by 5,000. "Muslims didn't benefit from it. Development with dignity is what we believe in. The subsidy will be used for educating girls," Naqvi said. Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow people to go on the Haj by ship, which is cheaper than flying, UP based Naqvi said. Officials of both countries are working out the details, he said.