Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah said he has asked the Centre to arrange more Haj flights from Srinagar. Around 1,895 pilgrims are stuck due to recent flight delays. He said ensuring a smooth pilgrimage is a top priority.
Days after the first batch of Haj pilgrims in Srinagar left for Saudi Arabia's Mecca to undertake the annual holy pilgrimage, the second batch of Haj pilgrims are also set to depart for Mecca from Srinagar on Wednesday following the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan.
The Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given Muslim women a place in the State Haj Committee. This will allow them to share their concerns and suggestions directly with the committee, according to a CMO statement.
A mock drill simulating an IED explosion was conducted near the Haj Manzil, close to the main gate under the Chandni Mahal police station area on Saturday, as part of a coordinated emergency preparedness exercise.
"Today, I had the honour of bidding a warm see-off to the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar. Wished them a safe, fulfilling journey and humbly requested prayers for peace and prosperity in our region," J&K CMO posted on X.
At least 3,372 Hujjaj Karam, a title bestowed upon the Hajj pilgrims, will depart from Srinagar this morning. A facilitator for the Hajj pilgrims informed that the first flight to Mecca was scheduled for today, while the last flight will depart on May 15.
Of the 51 women, 20 are from Delhi, 22 from Uttar Pradesh, two from Bihar, four from Jammu and Kashmir, one from Punjab, and two from Uttarakhand -- showing broad regional participation.
Minister Kiren Rijiju visited the Indira Gandhi International airport on Thursday to extend his congratulations and best wishes to departing Haj pilgrims.
The Uttarakhand State Haj Committee has requested the setting up of vaccination camps across the state for Haj pilgrims selected for Haj Yatra-2025, in line with past practice. The vaccinations include Meningococcal Meningitis, Seasonal Influenza, and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine).
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging the election of Chirag Paswan, president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), from the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat in Bihar.