First Batch of 431 Hajj Pilgrims Departs Srinagar for Saudi Arabia

SRINAGAR, April 18 — [Hajj Pilgrimage] The first cohort of 431 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, marking the formal commencement of the region's annual pilgrimage season amidst emotional farewells at the Bemina Hajj House.
​According to a dispatch from the Kashmir News Trust (KNT), Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo officially flagged off the inaugural batch, engaging with the devotees and extending his wishes for a safe journey. Authorities have established extensive logistical frameworks to manage transportation, security, and crowd control at the departure hub.
​Families and well-wishers congregated at the facility to bid poignant goodbyes, with many offering prayers before the pilgrims boarded airport-bound transport. To guarantee a secure and orderly departure, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar G.V. Sundeep confirmed the deployment of stringent security measures.
​"Srinagar Police has made comprehensive security arrangements for Hajj pilgrims," Sundeep stated. "We are ensuring that this pilgrimage remains hassle-free. We pray that their journey is smooth and they reach safely."
​This initial departure initiates a phased series of flights scheduled to transport thousands of regional devotees to fulfill one of the five core pillars of Islam. Administrative officials continue to advise subsequent pilgrims to strictly adhere to operational guidelines and cooperate with ground staff to maintain a streamlined process throughout the upcoming travel period.