Hajj-2017: Mehbooba sees off first batch of pilgrims

SRINAGAR, JULY 25(KMW): The process of leaving for performing Hajj this year commenced from today with the first batch from the State leaving for the blessed land early morning today.
Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti led the State administration in giving a warm send off to the first batch at Srinagar airport.
She met the intending pilgrims individually and requested them to pray for peace in the State and for prosperity of its residents. She wished them a safe and smooth performance of the tenants of Hajj.
Arrangements of transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security at Srinagar Hajj House and hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, Nimaz, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes etc at the Srinagar Airport have been put in place by the authorities. Few days back the Chief Minister had convened a high level meeting wherein she had directed to extend all possible help and courtesies to the pilgrims and ensure that in no way are they inconvenienced.
Many pilgrims thanked the Chief Minister for these arrangements including their training, documentation and other facilities.
It may be recalled Air India will operate daily two flights carrying 840 intending pilgrims daily to Madinah Munawarah and the last batch of Hajjies will leave on August 03.
Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Andrabi, MLC, Saiffudin Bhat; Chief Secretary, B.B. Vyas; Director General of police, Dr. S.P. Vaid, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Rohit Kansal; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan; IGP Kashmir zone, Muneer Khan; IGP Traffic, Jagjit Kumar; Commissioner-Secretary, Revenue, Muhammad Ashraf Mir; senior officers of State Hajj committee; Divisional and district administration; Airport Authority of India; Air India and other officers were present on the occasion.