According to a statement released by the Committee, “Consulate General of India, Jeddah has informed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strictly prohibited displaying flag or placards or doing any activity which could be seen as making a political statement at the Holy sites in Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah”.

“Committing any such act will result in arrests. Unfortunately, there have been instances when pilgrims have been arrested for such acts and they could not return home for a long time”, it added.

Owing to the instructions, Haj committee has instructed the Indian pilgrims proceeding to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj or Umrah to refrain themselves from displaying Indian flag or any flag or placard at any of the Holy sites in Makkah and Madina.

Moreover, the committee will be making necessary changes in the Training Manuals which shall be issued to the trainers and volunteers.

Saudi government has instructed other countries as well to warn the arriving pilgrims to abstain from displaying flags and placards at the two holy places, in order to keep these places solely for the sake of worship, rather than using the pilgrimage for political purposes.