Govt releases statement after uproar over charging additional ₹10,000 airfare from Haj pilgrims

The Ministry of Minority Affairs said it noted the concerns of Haj pilgrims over charging an additional ₹10,000 airfare, explaining that it was necessitated as airlines demanded $300–$400 per pilgrim due to rise in fuel prices amid war. "The Ministry...approved a one-time revision of only $100 per pilgrim...This is not exploitation. This is the government absorbing pressure," it added.