The first group of J&K Hajj pilgrims arrived back home on Tuesday, welcomed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials at Srinagar International Airport. The return phase for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir has commenced, with 144 pilgrims landing on the initial flight. Operations for the arrival of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will continue until June 16.
This year, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir completed the Hajj pilgrimage, comprising 2,583 men and 2,058 women. Dr. Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, the Chief Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee, mentioned that 3,952 pilgrims, including 21 women traveling without a Mehram, will return via the Srinagar embarkation point. Among them, 3,631 pilgrims are from Jammu and Kashmir, 321 are from Ladakh, and one pilgrim is from Punjab.
Authorities have organized facilities at Srinagar Airport to assist the returning pilgrims, including transportation, medical aid, help desks, and distribution of Zamzam water. Despite concerns about baggage handling and transportation due to operational constraints at the airport, officials have ensured necessary arrangements for a smooth arrival. Relatives planning to pick up pilgrims at the airport are advised to obtain vehicle passes from the official Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee website in advance.
