All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticised a fresh circular issued by the Haj Committee of India asking pilgrims to pay an additional Rs 10,000 as differential airfare, citing the ongoing crisis in West Asia, and demanded that the directive be withdrawn and refunds issued to those affected, news agency IANS reported.

He pointed out that the additional charge is being imposed after Rs 90,844 per pilgrim has already been collected from those departing from Mumbai, raising concerns over the financial burden on those undertaking the pilgrimage.