First batch of Haj pilgrims from J-K leave for Saudi Arabia

The first batch of 340 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia today.
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed gave a warm send off to the first batch of Haj pilgrims from the state and wished them a safe journey and smooth performance of Manasik-e-Haj (rituals), an official spokesman said.
He said the chief minister reached Srinagar International Airport early this morning where the first group of 340 Hajis left for the holy city of Medina in a direct Air India flight.
Sayeed was accompanied by his wife Begum Mufti Sayeed, Minister for Haj, Auqaf and Horticulture, A R Veeri, Member Parliament Mehbooba Mufti and MP and Member, Haj Committee of India, Mohammad Salim Ansari, the spokesman said.

While interacting with the pilgrims, Sayeed wished them well-being, success and smooth conduct of Haj-e-Baitullah.
He also asked them to pray for peace and progress of the state as well as safeguarding the people against the vagaries of weather, the spokesman said.

The Hajis thanked the Chief Minister for making elaborate arrangements at the Haj House and Srinagar Airport, the spokesman said, adding they also welcomed his decision to depute Secretary Revenue, Haj and Auqaf to Saudi Arabia for their facilitation and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
As many as 6684 Hajis from the state will fly daily to Medina from Srinagar from till August 31 through the State Haj Committee.

All arrangements of transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security at Srinagar Haj House and hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, Nimaz, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes at the Srinagar Airport are in place for the Haj pilgrims, the spokesman said.
He said Air India will operate a total of 20 flights to fly Hajis from Srinagar Airport, which is one of the 21 embarkations in the country.