First batch of Haj pilgrims returns to J&K

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials of the State Haj Committee received the pilgrims, who arrived in a direct flight from Madina, at Srinagar International Airport, officials said.

Over 8,700 pilgrims from the state performed the Haj this year and are expected to return in 35 flights by the end of this month.

The first batch of pilgrims had embarked on the holy journey on September 17.

This year, Air India has started direct flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia after a gap of four years.