Srinagar: The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will leave for Mecca on October 10 from Srinagar Airport, an official spokesman on Saturday said.
40 Haj flights will start operations from October 10 as 8,000 pilgrims will be flown to Saudi city Jeddah for performing the annual pilgrimage, he said.
This year will see an increase of 400 pilgrims from the state for which two extra flights have been arranged, he said, adding "Last year, 7600 pilgrims travelled in 38 flights."
Divisional commissioner Kashmir Asgar Hussain Samoon reviewed the Haj arrangements for this year.
Samoon asked the Haj Committee to make special transport arrangements for the pilgrims from different parts of the state to Srinagar Airport so that they will not face any
difficulty.
He also directed State Bank of India authorities to activate their all branches so that the pilgrims are able to deposit their money at the earliest.
The Divisional Commissioner said in case curfew is imposed in any area, the Passport or any Haj document should be treated as curfew pass for which the concerned officers
have already been issued necessary directions.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, September 25, 2010, 15:19