First batch of Haj pilgrims from J-K leave for Saudi Arabia

The second flight with 420 pilgrims is scheduled to take off later in the day

The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj pilgrimage on Tuesday.

A Muslim pilgrim (right) is hugged by a relative before leaving for the annual Haj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, in Srinagar on Tuesday. (Reuters Photo)

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Haj and Auqaf minister Farooq Andrabi were at the Srinagar Airport to see off the first batch of pilgrims on a direct flight from here to the holy city of Madina, an official said here.

The batch comprised 420 pilgrims.

He said the second flight carrying an equal number of pilgrims is scheduled to take off later in the day.

More than 8,100 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected this year to perform the pilgrimage which will culminate with Eid-ul-Azha in the first week of September.