Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned to Srinagar on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the return phase of this year’s annual pilgrimage.
A flight carrying 144 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia landed at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The returning pilgrims were received by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and other senior government officials.
Welcoming the pilgrims back home, the Chief Minister interacted with several returnees and inquired about their well-being and overall pilgrimage experience.
Officials said the return operations for Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh formally began on Tuesday and will continue until June 16, with multiple flights scheduled to bring back pilgrims over the coming days.
According to official figures, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Hajj this year, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims from across the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah each year. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims to their respective destinations.
