SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this morning accorded a warm send-off to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, extending his best wishes for their safe journey and smooth performance of Manasik-e-Hajj.

The Chief Minister arrived at Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar early this morning, where he interacted with the pilgrims before their departure. A total of 178 pilgrims boarded a direct flight to Saudi Arabia.

While interacting with the pilgrims, the Chief Minister expressed his hope for their well-being and a spiritually fulfilling Haj-e-Baitullah. He urged them to pray for lasting peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and for protection of its people from suffering and adversity.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and other concerned.

The pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the elaborate and efficient arrangements made at both the Hajj House and Srinagar International Airport.

Elaborate facilities have been put in place for the convenience of the pilgrims, including smooth transportation, boarding & lodging, luggage verification, security screening, refreshment, food, prayer arrangements, distribution of travel documents and prompt issuance of boarding passes.