SRINAGAR: After Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nikhal Borkar received the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir at Srinagar International Airport on Saturday evening, the National Conference (JKNC) objected to the change in protocol, stating that in the past, Chief Ministers had received the pilgrims.
First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims 2024 arrive back in Kashmir.
DC Budgam @akshaylabroo along with SSP Budgam warmly received & welcomed the first batch of Hajj Pilgrims at the airport.@OfficeOfLGJandK @diprjk @ddnewsSrinagar @dicbudgam pic.twitter.com/5uB2QXOcBx
— Deputy Commissioner Budgam (@DC_Budgam) June 22, 2024
“As a precedent, the head of state, specifically the Chief Minister, along with his ministers, has always welcomed the first batch of Hajis at the Srinagar airport and greeted them upon their return,” the JKNC said in a post on ‘X’
“However, in a significant departure from this practice, it was low-ranking bureaucrats who received the first group of Hajj pilgrims at Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar yesterday. These pilgrims had just returned from performing the Haj-e-Baitullah in Saudi Arabia,” it said.
As a precedent, the head of state, specifically the Chief Minister, along with his ministers, has always welcomed the first batch of Hajis at the Srinagar airport and greeted them upon their return. However, in a significant departure from this practice, it was low-ranking…
— JKNC (@JKNC_) June 23, 2024
The party said that this change not only represents a shift in protocol in a Muslim-majority state but also deeply hurts the sentiments of many.
Notably, the first batch of 320 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
“One flight was scheduled today, in which 320 pilgrims—166 males and 156 females– returned and landed here at around 9.15 PM,” a senior Airport official had said.
He said that upon arrival of pilgrims at Srinagar International Airport and after necessary formalities including immigration, the Hajjis will go directly to their homes with their relatives.’
“Vehicle passes have already been issued online for those intending to receive the pilgrims. Immigration staff too has been deployed by J&K police, staff of JK Haj committee will also be present,” he added.
According to the officials, this year, over 7000 pilgrims from the region undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina. Of these, approximately 6800 pilgrims departed through the Srinagar embarkation point, while over 500 pilgrims travelled from other airports.
J&K Hajj Committee has already issued the return flight schedule up to 29 June with two flights scheduled for 23 June at 11:50 AM and 4:25 PM.
