First batch of Haj pilgrims from Kashmir departs

Srinagar, Aug 27: The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and kashmir for Haj 2014 left the summer capital of Srinagar Wednesday on a direct flight to Madina in Saudi Arabia.

The 275 pilgrims boarded the Air India flight from Srinagar to Madina at the Srinagar International Airport Wednesday morning.

This year, 7,007 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to perform the holy Muslim pilgrimage of Haj through the state government quota.

Another 300 are reported to have booked themselves with private tour and travel operators.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saw off the pilgrims at the airport.

Two flights will carry pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia daily till the middle of September.

IANS