Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting moment, the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims returned to Srinagar from Jeddah on Tuesday evening, marking the beginning of homecomings for this year’s Hajj returnees.
The flight landed at Srinagar International Airport at around 9:15 PM, where Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally welcomed the pilgrims, extending greetings and blessings on behalf of the administration and people of the Union Territory.
Addressing the media briefly, the Chief Minister said, “It is a moment of pride and peace to welcome our pilgrims home. Their prayers and sacrifices are invaluable, and we remain committed to providing them every facility throughout their spiritual journey.”
Accompanied by senior officials from the J&K Haj Committee and civil administration, the Chief Minister interacted with the returning pilgrims and inquired about their experience during the pilgrimage.
Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, confirmed that all arrival protocols—including immigration, customs clearance, and baggage handling—were handled smoothly.
The Haj House Bemina had earlier issued a notice for families and relatives, enabling them to download vehicle passes via the official website to facilitate organized reception at the airport. Each arrival is followed by processing that takes approximately an hour.
The remaining batches of Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in the coming days, and officials said detailed notifications for each flight will be issued separately.
The airport witnessed scenes of joy, gratitude, and reunion, as pilgrims embraced their loved ones after completing one of the most significant spiritual journeys of their lives.(DD)
