Maiden Haj flight from Varanasi takes off

Lucknow, Nov 16 (UNI) The maiden Haj flight from the holy city of Varanasi carrying 153 devouts took off today.

The flight was jointly flagged off by Uttar Pradeh science and technology minister Abdul Mannan, minister of state for minorities welfare and Haj Anis Ahmad Khan and Member of Parliament Rajesh Mishra.

Terming the event as historic, Mr Mannan said the flight was a gift of state chief minister Mayawati to Muslims.

He noted that the flight taking off from the holy city would definitely foster brotherhood among different communities.

Mr Mannan further said Haj pilgrims from 16 districts of east UP would now be able to board a flight directly from Varanasi, rather than going to Delhi or Lucknow.

UNI