𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐣 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫

Srinagar, May 15: Following the recent de-escalation between India and Pakistan, the second batch of Haj pilgrims is set to depart from Srinagar to Mecca on Wednesday. This comes just days after the first group of pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia’s holy city.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee executive member Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, 642 pilgrims will travel today via six scheduled flights. However, recent regional tensions had caused significant disruption to the Haj travel plans. Seven flights were cancelled due to the situation, of which only one has been rescheduled for May 15.

“Today marks the resumption of Haj travel, though challenges remain. Due to an aircraft not arriving in Srinagar, some pilgrims will now travel via Delhi. We have arranged two flights from Delhi and four from Srinagar,” Qureshi explained.

One departing pilgrim expressed gratitude for the return of calm, stating, “We prayed for peace. Now that the ceasefire has been implemented, we are thankful we can proceed with our pilgrimage.”

The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Srinagar left on May 4, with around 3,372 pilgrims departing that morning.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Minority Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that Indian Hajis have begun their Umrah journey from their accommodation in Mecca after completing an eight-day stay in Madinah. The Ministry also highlighted the launch of “Haj Suvidha App 2.0,” designed to enhance pilgrim safety and convenience with features like smart baggage tracking.