First Batch Of J&K Haj Pilgrims Returns To Srinagar

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the return phase of Haj-2026 operations through the Srinagar Embarkation Point.

The inaugural flight carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 women, landed at Srinagar International Airport in the afternoon. The pilgrims were received by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and other senior civil and police officials.

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J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said all 144 pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight arrived safely in Srinagar.

He said elaborate arrangements had been made at the airport, including transportation facilities, medical assistance, help desks and distribution of Zamzam water to ensure a smooth arrival process.

Addressing concerns regarding baggage, Dr Qureshi said nearly 40 per cent of the luggage had not arrived due to operational limitations and was expected to reach Haj House within the next two to three days.

He advised pilgrims collecting their baggage from Haj House to carry the identity cards issued by the Haj Committee to facilitate hassle-free retrieval.

Read Also First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims to Arrive in Srinagar Today CM Omar Seeks Same-Flight Baggage Transport for Hajj Pilgrims

Returning pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the overall arrangements while highlighting some difficulties encountered during the pilgrimage.

One pilgrim said baggage-related concerns had initially caused inconvenience but were addressed promptly.

“We faced an issue regarding luggage yesterday, and CM Omar Abdullah solved it. The arrangements there were very good. We are thankful to the government,” he said.

Another pilgrim said that while some challenges related to accommodation and baggage handling were experienced, the overall pilgrimage remained a positive experience.

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“We faced accommodation problems and luggage issues with the airlines, but somehow we managed them. Overall, the experience was good. The government should make more efforts to ensure greater convenience for pilgrims in the future,” the pilgrim said.

Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan said all departments, including the Haj Committee, civil administration and airport authorities, were working in coordination to ensure smooth arrivals.

“Every department is trying to make arrangements hassle-free and convenient so that no pilgrim faces any difficulty. Proper help desks have also been established,” he said.

Officials said the return operations for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will continue till June 16.

A total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Haj this year, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women. Of them, 3,952 pilgrims are scheduled to return through Srinagar, including 3,631 from Jammu and Kashmir and 321 from Ladakh. One pilgrim from Punjab is also expected to return through the Srinagar embarkation point.

The remaining 1,061 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are expected to return through other embarkation points across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The return operations commenced amid baggage-related concerns linked to operational limitations at Srinagar Airport due to runway maintenance work and temporary restrictions under the existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

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