Srinagar: The first batch of 630 pilgrims – 337 male and 293 female – from Jammu and Kashmir left for Jeddah on Wednesday in two flights while the second batch of pilgrims is set to leave for the pilgrimage tomorrow. The first batch was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Srinagar International Airport.
The relatives and friends of the Hajj pilgrims earlier saw them off at Haj House Bemina in Srinagar.
“1st batch of Haj pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport, today. Convey my greetings and best wishes to the blessed pilgrims, who are embarking upon the sacred journey for performing the Haj. I pray for a successful pilgrimage and peace & prosperity for J&K,” Office of J&K LG tweeted.
The LG interacted with the pilgrims and conveyed his greetings and best wishes to them, an official press release informed.
The pilgrims left in two flights, carrying 315 passengers each, officials said.
There were 339 male pilgrims and 291 female pilgrims in total, they added.
Officials said all arrangements were in place for the pilgrims.
They also informed that another batch of 115 women, who are going on the pilgrimage without “mahram” (male guardian) will leave for Hajj on June 10.
A total of 40 flights will be operating between 7th to 22nd June from Srinagar International Airport. This year, around 12,079 pilgrims from the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir and 452 from Ladakh UT will perform Hajj pilgrimage.
The Hajj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah.
Safina Baig, chairperson J&K Hajj Committee; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam and members of J&K Hajj Committee, senior officers of Airport Authority, civil and police administration were present on the occasion.
