10,674 pilgrims from J

Srinagar, Nov 22 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said his state had been allotted the highest Haj quota this year.

Talking to mediapersons after seeing off the first special Haj flight carrying 217 pilgrims from the Srinagar airport to Jeddah, he said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has enhanced the Haj quota for for Jammu and Kashmir this year.

As such, 10,674 pilgrims would be able to perform the Haj this year as compared to 92,00 in 2005, he added. Mr Azad said this year's Haj quota for Jammu and Kashmir was the highest.

Besides Mr Azad, his wife Shameema Azad, Haj and Auqaf Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister of State for Power and Health Peer Mohammad Hussain, Minister of State for Rural Development Javed Mustaffa Mir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Basharat Ahmad Dhar and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

Interacting with the pilgrims, the Chief Minister enquired about the facilities available at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and the Srinagar airport.

He directed the administration and other agencies concerned to ensure that adequate facilities were made available both at the TRC and the Srinagar airport and pilgrims did not face any inconvenience.

The pilgrims prayed for peace and prosperity of the state and complimented Mr Azad for his people-friendly steps. The Chief Minister wished the pilgrims a safe and smooth Haj and prayed for their safe return.

The first batch included 102 women pilgrims.

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