Srinagar: Despite the BJP-led Indian government’s assertions of economic growth and development in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, a notable decline in Hajj applications has underscored the ongoing economic struggles in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the marked decrease in the number of pilgrims intending to embark on the sacred journey reveals the increasing financial hardships confronting Kashmiris, directly challenging New Delhi’s narrative of prosperity in the territory.

For Hajj 2025, only 3,602 applications have been submitted, a figure that is less than half of the 8,000 pilgrims initially anticipated. More than 700 applicants have withdrawn due to an inability to afford the required fees, while others were unable to continue after failing to meet financial criteria. The applications for the 2025 pilgrimage indicate a 55% drop from the previous year, which itself had experienced a decline compared to earlier years.

This situation is in stark contrast to previous years when Hajj applications from IIOJK routinely surpassed the official quota. In 2017, over 35,000 individuals applied, and in 2018, the number was approximately 32,000. However, since 2019, the trend has been steadily downward, reflecting the increasing financial pressure on families in the region.

Experts indicate that economic challenges faced by Kashmiris, compounded by rising inflation, high unemployment, and a general cost-of-living crisis, are forcing individuals to prioritize essential expenses such as healthcare, education, and family needs over the religious pilgrimage.

“The economic realities of daily life are forcing people to make tough choices. Hajj, once a cherished goal for many, is now being sidelined due to the harsh financial pressures people are facing,” said a local economist. “Despite government promises of prosperity post-abrogation, the ground situation tells a different story.”