Srinagar, Jun 2 : The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and were warmly received at Srinagar International Airport.
The first flight carrying 144 pilgrims landed at the airport in the afternoon, officials said.
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah was present at the airport to receive the returning pilgrims, accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and other senior officials.
The return operations for Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh began on Tuesday and will continue till June 16, officials said.
This year, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed the Haj pilgrimage, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women. Pilgrims arrived safely as part of the scheduled return process.
