1st batch of Haj pilgrims departs from Srinagar

The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, on Sunday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the pilgrims, while former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended a warm send-off at the airport.

The L-G interacted with the pilgrims and extended his greetings and best wishes for a safe pilgrimage and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all.

“I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to the pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey. Haj is a divine call and a cherished, lifelong dream. The Central Government is committed to ensuring the best possible arrangements for their well-being,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

This year, around 3622 pilgrims from Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir will perform Haj pilgrimage. Srinagar International Airport is scheduled to operate 11 flights from May 4 to 15, facilitating approximately 3,132 Haj pilgrims from J&K, and 242 from UT of Ladakh.

The Haj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah. The L-G also recognised and appreciated the support by all the stakeholders for successful organisation of holy pilgrimage.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arrived at the airport early in the morning and interacted with the pilgrims before they boarded their flight. A total of 178 pilgrims departed in the first batch on a direct flight to Saudi Arabia.

While interacting with the pilgrims, the Chief Minister expressed his hope for their well-being and a spiritually fulfilling Haj-e-Baitullah. He urged them to pray for lasting peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and for protection of its people from suffering and adversity.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and other concerned.

The pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the elaborate and efficient arrangements made at both the Hajj House and Srinagar International Airport.

Elaborate facilities have been put in place for the convenience of the pilgrims, including smooth transportation, boarding & lodging, luggage verification, security screening, refreshment, food, prayer arrangements, distribution of travel documents and prompt issuance of boarding passes.