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First batch of J&K Haj pilgrims leaves

Srinagar Dec 24. The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left here on a direct flight to Jeddah to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

``Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and several other leaders were present at the Srinagar airport to see off the 413 Hajis who form the first batch of over 9,000 pilgrims this year,'' official sources said. ``You are going to Baitullah (God's home) ... pray for return of peace, success of SAARC Summit and lasting friendship between India and Pakistan,'' Sayeed told the pilgrims.

The pilgrims arrived at the tourist reception centre before the scheduled time of 7.00 am and were ferried to the airport in State Road Transport Corporation buses. At the airport, the Hajis changed into `ahram', which is a special two-piece unstitched cloth. Special arrangements have been made at the airport for foreign exchange.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is running direct flights from Srinagar to Jeddah for the Haj pilgrims and over the next two weeks two flights will operate daily. -- PTI

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