Sheila Dikshit sees off 1st batch of 274 Haj pilgrims

New Delhi, Nov 22: The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Delhi today left for Jeddah on way to Mecca.

The first contingent of pilgrims travelling to Jeddah consisted of 274 people. Remaining 348 pilgrims would depart tonight, travelling in three special flights.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Minister for State for External Affairs E Ahamed and Delhi Development Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan were present on the occasion to see off the first batch of pilgrims at the Special Haj Terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport here. Ms Dikshit conveyed her best wishes to the pilgrims for safe and successful pilgrimage, and called upon them to pray for peace, prosperity and harmony of the country.

Mr Chauhan said Delhi State Haj Committee had been providing all assistance to Hajis like getting tickets, passports, visas, drafts, railway reservations apart from providing free accommodation, free transportation, subsidised meals and free parking.

Delhi Haj Committee had also trained a number of persons in providing emergency assistance to the Hajis, he added.

UNI