Over 270 Haj pilgrims return to J-K

The first batch of over 270 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir today returned from Saudi Arabia after performing the annual haj.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received the pilgrims at the Srinagar International Airport, and greeted them for performing the religious duty and wished them well-being and prosperity, an official spokesman said.
Minister for Haj and Auqaf Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed was accompanying the chief minister, the spokesman said.
As many as 272 Hajjies arrived today in the first flight after performing the pilgrimage.
In all, 7011 pilgrims had left for performing Haj from the state, of which five passed away during the 40-day pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca.

Sixteen intending Hajjies could not leave for Haj as they suffered severely due to devastating floods in the state, the spokesman said.