Div Com Kmr, IGP Kashmir review departure arrangements
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, May 9: The first batch of pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital for the annual Haj pilgrimage on Thursday.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that the pilgrims reported at Haj house in Srinagar in the morning and after completion of all the formalities, they boarded the State Road Transport Corporation buses to reach the Airport.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that since Thursday morning, it was a spiritual atmosphere in the Bemina area when Hajj pilgrims reached the house, where they prayed for the people of Kashmir and overall development of the state. Emotional scenes were seen outside the Haj house also where relatives of pilgrims were seen hugging each other reciting religious slogans before boarding the buses.
The pilgrims said that they will pray at the holy place for peace and prosperity for all. “We will pray at the holy place for peace and prosperity for all,” said Saja Begum, a pilgrim from Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Biduri along with IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi reviewed the departure arrangements for the first batch of Haj pilgrims 2024 of Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir from Srinagar International Airport.
Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo; SSP Budgam, Nikhal Borkar; Director International AirPort and other concerned officers were also present.
On the occasion, Div Com interacted with the pilgrims and conveyed his greetings and best wishes to them. During the visit, the Div Com also took first-hand appraisal of facilities including availability of clean drinking water, medical facilities, refreshment, volunteer services and traffic management in and outside of airport premises besides immigration check facilities and baggage carrying facilities. He directed concerned authorities to ensure hassle free departure of all the pilgrims till the conclusion of departure schedule.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that 7008 Haj pilgrims will embark on the Haj pilgrimage this year, of which around 6852 are going through Srinagar embarkation including the pilgrims from Ladakh and over 500 through Delhi embarkation. 541 will also depart from other airports including Delhi airport.
The official said that 37 female pilgrims without ‘Mahram’ (Closest relative) will perform Haj this year. He further added that two flights will leave every day for Jeddah Airport from Srinagar Airport and each will carry 320 pilgrims in separate schedules.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
