J&K: First batch of 144 Hajj pilgrims return home
Srinagar, June 2
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
Reader Comments
It's heartwarming to see the state government personally receiving the pilgrims. The arrangements seem quite thorough, with help desks and Zamzam water distribution. But I hope they address the baggage issues at the airport soon - our returning seniors shouldn't face any hassle after such a spiritual journey.
Great to see 21 women performing Hajj without a Mehram! This is a progressive step and shows how our society is evolving. Also, 2,058 women out of 4,641 total pilgrims - that's a good percentage. Kudos to the Hajj Committee for facilitating this. 👏
My uncle was on this flight! He said the process was smooth but there's a practical concern - the vehicle pass requirement is a bit inconvenient for relatives. Many elderly relatives don't know how to download passes from websites. The committee could set up a helpline or on-spot assistance for vehicle entry.
This is a testament to India's secular fabric - a Muslim-majority region like J&K managing such a large-scale pilgrimage with Ladakhis and even a Punjabi returning through Srinagar. The operational challenges at the airport due to runway maintenance are real, but the committee seems prepared. Let's hope all 4,641 pilgrims return safely over the next two weeks.
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