Hajj-2017: First batch of J&K pilgrims leaves for Saudi Arabia

Srinagar, Jul 25 :  The first batch of 840 pilgrims, including women and elderly people, from Jammu and Kashmir today left from the Srinagar International Airport for Saudi Arabia to undertake the Hajj-2017 pilgrimage. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Hajj and Auqaf Minister Farooq Ahmad Andrabi besides a number of senior officials from civil and police and civil aviation saw off the pilgrims at the airport. Ms Mufti warmly greeted the pilgrims and appealed to them to pray for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, where a strike was being observed today against the arrest of seven Separatist leaders by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with ‘terror funding’. However, the first flight, carrying 420 pilgrims, was delayed by about 25 minutes. The second flight, also carrying 420 pilgrims, left at 1255 hrs, over an hour later, for Saudi Arabia. This year, 8,106 pilgrims are scheduled to perform the pilgrimage from Jammu and Kashmir. According to State Hajj Committee (SHC) two special direct flights carrying 840 pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia will operate daily till August 5. Two assistants, especially trained by the SHC, are accompanying the pilgrims in each flight. At least 40 such assistants called 'Khudam-ul-Hujaaz' will remain on duty with pilgrims during this year's Haj. Agencies