SRINAGAR: The first group of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned to Srinagar on Tuesday, marking the start of the return phase of this year’s pilgrimage.
Officials said a flight carrying 144 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia landed at Srinagar International Airport in the afternoon. The returning pilgrims were received at the airport by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and other senior officials.
The return operations for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh began on Tuesday and are scheduled to continue till June 16, officials added.
According to official figures, 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Hajj this year, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women.
