Srinagar, June 2 (IANS) The first batch of J&K Hajj pilgrims returned home on Tuesday as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials received them at Srinagar International Airport.

The return phase of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir began today with the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims landing at Srinagar International Airport.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, arrival operations for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will continue till June 16.

This year, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Hajj, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women.

Chief Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said that 3,952 pilgrims, including 21 women who undertook the pilgrimage without a Mehram, will return through the Srinagar embarkation point.

Of these, 3,631 pilgrims belong to Jammu and Kashmir, while 321 are from Ladakh. One pilgrim from Punjab is also scheduled to arrive through Srinagar.

Officials said 1,061 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will return through other embarkation points across the country, including 1,010 via Delhi, 49 via Mumbai, and 2 via Bengaluru.

The Hajj Committee has made arrangements at Srinagar Airport for the reception of the returning pilgrims. Transport facilities, medical assistance, help desks, and distribution of Zamzam water have been put in place to facilitate their arrival.

The return operations came amid concerns over baggage handling and transportation due to operational restrictions at Srinagar Airport linked to ongoing runway maintenance works and temporary limitations under the existing NOTAM.

Authorities, however, said necessary measures have been taken to ensure the smooth arrival of the pilgrims.

Relatives planning to receive pilgrims at the airport must download vehicle passes from the official Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee website two days prior to the respective flight date. To track specific flight arrival times or look up a pilgrim’s schedule, use the official Hajj Committee of India portal or the Haj Suvidha app.

–IANS

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