LG flags off J&K’s first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport

SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir from Srinagar International Airport.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the send-off function.

The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims and extended his greetings and best wishes for a safe pilgrimage and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and the well-being of one and all.

“I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to pilgrims undertaking the sacred Hajj journey. The divine pilgrimage is a call from the Almighty and a cherished and lifelong dream. The Central government is committed to ensuring the best possible arrangements for the well-being of pilgrims and their sacred pilgrimage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

This year, around 3,622 pilgrims from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will perform the Hajj pilgrimage, an official spokesman said.

Srinagar International Airport is scheduled to operate 11 flights between May 4-15, facilitating approximately 3,132 Haj pilgrims from J&K, and 242 from the UT of Ladakh.

The Hajj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah. The Lieutenant Governor also recognised and appreciated the support of all the stakeholders for the successful organisation of the holy pilgrimage.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended a warm send-off to the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims.

“Today, I had the honour of bidding a warm see-off to the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar. Wished them a safe, fulfilling journey and humbly requested prayers for peace and prosperity in our region,” the office of CM Abdullah said.

Senior officers Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam and members of J&K Hajj Committee, senior officers of Airport Authority, Civil and Police administration, were present on the occasion.