CM accords warm send-off
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 4: Flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the first batch of 178 pilgrims today departed for the holy pilgrimage of Hajj 2025 to Jeddah from Srinagar International Airport.
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Officials said the pilgrims were directed to report at the Hajj House Bemina between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., where, after completing the necessary formalities and preparations, they proceeded to the airport.
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With the majority undertaking the journey for the first time, the group included 96 men and 82 women from different parts of Kashmir.
The pilgrims were accompanied by their family members to the Hajj House, where emotional scenes unfolded as farewells were exchanged.
One of the pilgrims, 35-year-old Ufaq Jeelani from Srinagar, described Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a Muslim.
“The feeling of being able to embark on this journey cannot be expressed in words,” she said. “On this occasion, I pray for peace and progress in Kashmir, and I hope everyone gets the chance to perform Hajj someday.”
Another pilgrim, 52-year-old Ayesha from Nowgam, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the authorities, saying the process had been smooth and comfortable so far.
“I am so happy – it’s something that cannot be described. We had planned to go last year, but it didn’t materialize. But now, it’s finally happening,” she said with joy.
Security was tightened at the venue, and only registered pilgrims with valid passes were allowed entry.
Present on the occasion were the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Srinagar, along with other officials, who welcomed the pilgrims at Bemina and oversaw arrangements for the inaugural flight to facilitate their movement.
DC Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, speaking to reporters, said that all necessary preparations were in place to ensure a hassle-free journey.
“We visited the Hajj House yesterday to review the arrangements. Everything has been ensured by the Hajj Committee. The pilgrims proceeded to the airport after completing all remaining formalities smoothly,” he said.
Elaborate facilities were arranged for the convenience of the pilgrims, including transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage verification, security screening, refreshments, food, prayer arrangements, travel document distribution, and prompt issuance of boarding passes.
At the Srinagar International Airport, LG Manoj Sinha interacted with the pilgrims and extended his greetings and best wishes for a safe pilgrimage and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience.
He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all.
“I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to pilgrims undertaking the sacred Hajj journey. The divine pilgrimage is a call from almighty and a cherished and life-long dream. The Central Government is committed to ensure best possible arrangements for the well-being of pilgrims and their sacred pilgrimage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also recognised and appreciated the support by all the stakeholders for successful organisation of holy pilgrimage.
Chief Minsiter Omar Abdullah accorded a warm send-off to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims, extending his best wishes for their safe journey and smooth performance of Manasik-e-Hajj.
While interacting with the pilgrims, the Chief Minister expressed his hope for their well-being and a spiritually fulfilling Hajj-e-Baitullah.
He urged them to pray for lasting peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and for protection of its people from suffering and adversity.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the elaborate and efficient arrangements made at both the Hajj House and Srinagar International Airport.
The Haj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah.
Officials who were present on the occasion include Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam and members of J&K Haj Committee, senior officers of Airport Authority, civil and police administration.
Officials said that Hajj departures from Kashmir from May 4, will continue till May 15, with a total of 11 flights scheduled. The last is expected to carry 321 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
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