Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 5: The first flight of Hajj-2022 today flew to Madina in Saudi Arabia from Srinagar International Airport here carrying 145 pilgrims. This was the first batch of Hajj pilgirms after two years as no Hajj pilgrimage, except for locals, was allowed due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
The pilgrims reached the Hajj House, Bemima early in the morning where they carried out the initial formalities apart from currency exchange and other necessary processes ahead of the journey.
From the Hajj House, the pilgrims, from various districts of Kashmir were taken directly to the Airport during which emotional scenes were witnessed.
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Carrying 145 pilgrims, 80 men and 65 women, the first flight of Hajj pilgrims was flagged off by the Advisor to the LG, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, which took off around 9.50 am, while as LG Manoj Sinha interacted with a group of Hajj pilgrims online.
On the occasion, the LG extended the heartiest greetings to all Hajj pilgrims of J&K and congratulated them ahead of taking up the holy journey while assuring that adequate arrangements were put in place for their hassle-free departure for Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage.
Wishing them a comfortable and safe journey, the LG said that Hajj is one of the sacred duties for Muslims to perform, and that, this year, over 5000 pilgrims were set to perform Hajj from J&K this year apart from nearly 80,000 pilgrims from across the country.
During the interaction, Sinha urged the pilgrims to inform the LG administration instantly, in case they face any issue anytime anywhere during the pilgrimage.
Javed Ahmad Malik, one of the Hajj pilgrims from South Kashmir’s Anantnag said that he was quite excited about the holy journey. “We submitted the form this year only and luckily, we got the chance; I am excited.”
Another pilgrim, Haleema from Bandipora also said that she was happy for finally being able to take up the journey. “I am very happy and for the last few years, we were waiting and wanting to go,” she said, adding she will pray for the peace and prosperity in J&K.
The pilgrims also expressed satisfaction over the arrangement made for them at the Hajj House.
“The arrangements were good and we are thankful to the administration for facilitating the holy journey for us,” said Nazir Ahmad from North Kashmir.
During the LG’s interaction with the pilgrims, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole apprised the LG that nearly 6000 pilgrims from J&K and Ladakh were set to perform this year’s Hajj.
He informed the LG that the Hajj pilgrimage has resumed after two years following COVID-19 restrictions and that out of a total of 6000 pilgrims from J&K and Ladakh UTs, 5856 pilgrims will leave from Kashmir and others from Delhi International Airport.
He further said for the comfortable departure of pilgrims, all adequate arrangements have been put in place at both Hajj House Srinagar and Srinagar International Airport.
On the occasion of flagging off the first flight of Hajj pilgrims, Principal Secretary to the LG, Nitishwar Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, IG Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza, Director Airport Authority India, Srinagar, Special Secretary Revenue, KK Sidha and other concerned from Hajj and civil and police administration were also present.
Meanwhile, talking to media persons, Member of the Hajj Committee, Aijaz Hussian said that they have tried to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place and the challenges on various fronts are dealt with. “We have made sure that the Hajis are facilitated and for that those involved in the process need to be commended,” he said.
On the issue of bringing the Aab-e-Zam Zam, he said that the Hajj Committee of India will get it on its own “and upon the arrival of the pilgrims, every person will get 5 liters each.”
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