Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, l(DD): In a heartfelt gesture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah bid farewell to the first group of Hajj pilgrims from the region at the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, today morning.
Sharing the moment on social media platform X, the Chief Minister stated, “Today, I had the honour of seeing off the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar. I wished them a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey and humbly requested them to pray for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Earlier in the morning, emotional scenes unfolded at Haj House Bemina as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to their loved ones. For many, it was a moment of lifetime devotion — with several pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey for the first time.
The departing batch includes 96 men and 82 women. Their flight, SG-5304, was scheduled to leave later in the day from Srinagar.
As buses rolled out from Haj House, the air echoed with chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” moving many to tears.
“This is a dream fulfilled. May Allah accept our Hajj and protect our families,” said an elderly pilgrim from Srinagar with moist eyes.
Officials have confirmed that over 3,600 pilgrims from J&K will undertake the pilgrimage this year under the government quota. Authorities have urged all pilgrims to comply strictly with airline regulations, particularly those related to baggage limits and restricted items.
A young man who saw off his mother shared, “She’s waited her whole life for this. Watching her leave was emotional, but beautiful.”
“I feel blessed,” said a smiling woman pilgrim. “May Allah keep Kashmir safe and protected.”(DD)
