Omar receives brief on Hajj-2013 arrangements

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday received brief on the arrangements put in place by various agencies for smooth conduct of Hajj-2013 from the State. He directed for ensuring all facilities to the Aazmeen-e-Hajj to make their stay, and travel from and to the State hassle-free and comfortable.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Union Government for operating direct Hajj flights from Srinagar to Madina Munawara this year again and added that it has relieved the Aazmeen-e-Hajj from various difficulties and hassles.
The Chief Minister was chairing a high level meeting to take stock of arrangements put in place by the State Hajj Committee and various State and Central Departments for the conduct of Hajj-2013 from the State.
Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed, Members of the Hajj Committee, various Administrative Secretaries, Heads of the Departments and senior officers participated in the meeting.
The meeting was informed that outward Hajj flights from Srinagar embarkation point will operate from 7th September to 23rd September 2013. The corresponding inward flights will operate from 12th October to 15th November 2013. There will be two flights daily with a capacity of 275 pilgrims in each flight. The flights will operate directly from Srinagar to Madina Munawara. A total number of 8,664 pilgrims are proceeding for Hajj this year.
The Members of the Hajj Committee, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Ali Mohammad Dar, Moulana Akhzar Hussain, Advocate Abdul Gani Dar, Haji Nisar Ali and Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Bhat discussed various matters in the meeting relating to the smooth conduct of Hajj-2013.
Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed said that no reduction in the State Government quota has been affected for Jammu and Kashmir despite reduction of 20 to 30 percent seats in respect of other States. He said this has been possible due to the efforts of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.