LG interacts with Haj pilgrims from J&K, extends greetings
New Delhi/ Budgam: The first batch of Hajj pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia on Sunday from Srinagar International Airport.
The annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia re-starts this year after remaining suspended for two years due to the Covid pandemic. The Hajj flight is carrying 145 J&K pilgrims to Madina.
The flights will carry a total of 5,737 pilgrims from the union territory to Saudi Arabia and will continue till June 20.
Officials said that on June 12 there would be two daily Hajj flights and from June 13 onwards there will be three daily flights to carry pilgrims from Srinagar to Madina.
Senior officials of the J&K government saw the pilgrims off at the airport.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha interacted with the first batch of Haj-2022 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir.
The Lt Governor extended greetings and best wishes to the people undertaking sacred pilgrimage. “I pray for a successful Haj pilgrimage & peace, amity and prosperity for UT of J&K”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor urged the pilgrims to apprise the administration instantly, in case they face any issue anywhere during the pilgrimage.
Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir apprised the Lt Governor about the arrangements being put in place for the Haj pilgrimage from J&K.
Around 6000 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will perform this year’s Haj pilgrimage which resumes after two years following Covid-19 restrictions. Out of total 6000 pilgrims, 5856 pilgrims will leave from Kashmir valley and others from Delhi Airport.
Keeping in view the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, a facility of RT-PCR Covid-19 test at JVC Hospital Bemina and e-rickshaw and other facilities at Haj House have been made available to pilgrims, he informed.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Commissioner/ Secretary to Government Revenue Department; Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, besides senior officers of Airport Authority, Civil and Police administration were present on the occasion.