First batch of Haj pilgrims takes off
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, July 25
The first batch of Haj pilgrims departed from the Srinagar International Airport to Saudi Arabia today for performing the annual pilgrimage. The pilgrims were seen off by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
“The process of leaving for performing Haj commenced with the first batch from the state leaving for the blessed land early morning. The Chief Minister led the state administration in giving a warm send-off to the first batch at the Srinagar airport,” an official said.
Mehbooba met the pilgrims individually and requested them to pray for peace in the state and for prosperity of its residents. She wished them a safe and smooth performance of the tenets of Haj.
An official statement said arrangements for transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security at Srinagar Haj House, hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, namaz, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes at the Srinagar Airport had been put in place by the authorities.
“A few days back the Chief Minister had convened a high-level meeting wherein she had issued directions that all possible help and courtesies be extended to the pilgrims and ensure that in no way they are inconvenienced. Many pilgrims thanked the Chief Minister for these arrangements, including their training, documentation and other facilities,” the statement added.
Air India will operate two flights daily carrying 840 pilgrims to Madinah Munawarah. The last batch of pilgrims will leave on August 3. An official of the Haj House, Bemina, said 8,106 pilgrims from the state were scheduled to perform Haj this year.
The timing for the departure of the two flights is 9 am and 11.35 am. The pilgrims boarding the first and second flight are supposed to reach the Haj House by 4.15 am and 7 am, respectively, from where they are taken to the airport.
Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf Syed Farooq Andrabi, MLC Saiffudin Bhat, Chief Secretary BB Vyas, Director General of Police SP Vaid, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rohit Kansal, Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan, IGP Muneer Khan, IGP (Traffic) Jagjit Kumar, Commissioner Secretary (Revenue) Muhammad Ashraf Mir, and senior officers of the state Haj committee, divisional and district administration, Airport Authority of India, Air India were present on the occasion.
Adequate arrangements
An official statement said arrangements for transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security at Srinagar Haj House, hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, namaz, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes at the Srinagar Airport had been put in place by the authorities.
