Hyderabad: An additional quota of 278 pilgrims for Haj 2006-II has been allotted to Andhra Pradesh by the Central Haj Committee, Mumbai. These extra seats will be adjusted against the waiting list strictly in accordance with the serial number.

There are 300 applicants, who are above 60 years, in the waiting list.

However, there is no word yet on the State's share in the additional quota of 10,000 sanctioned by Saudi Arabia for the country.

With barely 10 days left for the Haj flights to commence, the Haj aspirants are in a dilemma. The State Haj Committee is trying to ensure that at least another 150 seats are allotted since as many applications were withdrawn by the pilgrims or cancelled. Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed, chairman, Haj Committee, has dashed off a letter in this regard to the Centre.

The Central Haj Committee has detected 100 applicants who are trying to perform Haj for the second time in five years. Their initial deposit of Rs. 10,700 amounting to Rs. 10 lakh has been forfeited. This is the first time that Haj aspirants from the State have lost such a huge amount, it is said.

Camp on Dec. 3

Meanwhile, hectic activity is on at the Haj House here. The Haj camp will commence on December 3 which Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy will inaugurate. He will also release the Haj guidein Telugu and Urdu on that day.

26 special flights

As many as 26 special flights will carry 6,815 pilgrims from December 6 to 17 from Hyderabad to Jeddah. On two days there will be four flights and another two days three flights. "We are making arrangements for food and accommodation of 1,120 pilgrims at a time at the Haj House," said Mr. Shabbir Ahmed.

Many committees - reception, food, volunteers, transport, luggage and media - have been constituted to look after various aspects.

The pilgrims will be leaving from the new terminal at the Rajiv Gandhi Airport.

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