Srinagar, June 7 (UNI) The first batch of pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for the annual Haj pilgrimage, officials said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport this afternoon.

The pilgrims reported at Haj house in Srinagar in the morning and after completion of all the formalities boarded State Road Transport Corporation coaches to reach Airport.

Emotional scenes were seen at the Haj House Bemina where relatives of pilgrims were seen
hugging each other reciting “Allah-ho-Akbar” (God is the greatest) before boarding the buses.

The pilgrims said that they will pray for peace and prosperity during their pilgrimage.

As many as 12000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are likely to perform this year’s Hajj.

This year, female pilgrims without 'Mahram' (Closest relative) will perform Hajj this year.


“Over 100 such pilgrims from J&K will perform Hajj this year," officials said.

Director Srinagar International Airport Kuldeep Singh Rishi said that they made meticulous arrangements and preparations at Airport for smooth transition of the Haj pilgrims.

He said all the boarding cards will be issued to pilgrims at Haj house.

Officials have placed a new X-ray machine at Haj house for screening of the checking baggage
of the passengers. .

The customs formalities will also be completed at the Haj house only, Rishi added.

The baggage of the passenger will be taken in a separate sealed container truck from the
Hajj house to Airport.

The entire area for passage of Pilgrims through the airport has been earmarked and segregated,
he added.


J&K LG after flagging off the pilgrims prayed for a successful pilgrimage and peace and prosperity
for Jammu and Kashmir.

Two flights will leave every day for Jeddah Airport from Srinagar Airport and each will carry 315 pilgrims in separate schedules.

UNI QAB/MJR BM