Jammu-Kashmir: Second batch of Hajj pilgrims to depart from Srinagar today

The Ministry of Minority Affairs said that Indian Hajjis had left for the pilgrimage from their accommodation in Makkah after spending eight days in Madinah. Representational pic

Days after the first batch of Hajj 2025 pilgrims in Srinagar left for Saudi Arabia's Mecca to undertake the annual holy pilgrimage, the second batch of pilgrims are also set to leave from Srinagar on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.

According to Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, an executive member of the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, 642 pilgrims are scheduled to depart from Srinagar on Wednesday, and six flights have been arranged for the purpose.

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He stated that seven flights were cancelled owing to the recent tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and India's response to it. Only one flight has been rescheduled so far.

"Today we are happy that the Hajj pilgrimage has restarted... But seven flights were cancelled, one of which has been rescheduled for May 15... Those who were leaving for today also faced problems, as the Airbus couldn't arrive at Srinagar Airport and now they have to travel to Delhi and from there they will change flights and leave for Mecca... Today there are two flights from Delhi and from Srinagar; four flights will be there, carrying a total of 642... We faced a lot of problems due to the recent tensions but we have time and we will reach there on schedule," Qureshi said.

A pilgrim who was set to leave for Mecca expressed his relief at the cessation of the hostilities and stated that he prayed for the situation to become normal.

"We just always prayed to Allah so that the situation becomes normal... Thank God that the ceasefire took place and now we are able to travel for Hajj," he said.

The first batch of 3,372 Hujjaj Karam - a title bestowed upon the Hajj pilgrims - left from Srinagar on May 4.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Minority Affairs on Tuesday stated that Indian Hajjis had left for Umrah - the pilgrimage - from their accommodation in Makkah after spending eight days in Madinah.

"Indian Hajjis going for Umrah from their accommodation in Makkah after spending 8 days in Madinah. We wish them a pilgrimage blessed with peace & spiritual fulfilment," the Ministry of Minority Affairs stated on X on Tuesday.

The ministry had also launched an ‘Hajj Suvidha App 2.0' designed to support a safe and well-organised Hajj experience equipped with smart baggage tracking.

(With ANI inputs)