First batch of 270 pilgrims today left for Saudi Arabia from Srinagar International Airport here to undertake pilgrimage of Holy Makkah and Madina. The pilgrims had to report at Hajj house early in the morning, where they were provided with all travel documents. They were later taken to Airport in special buses. The highest number of over 9,100 Aazmeen-e-Hajj would be performing Hajj-2012 from Jammu and Kashmir. The Hajj quota for the state has been increased from last year’s 8,441 to 8,670, highest in last four years. In addition to this, Private Hajj Operators are facilitating 500 intending Hajj pilgrims. After a gap of several years, the Hajj flights will operate direct to Saudi Arabia from Srinagar International Airport. One flight is scheduled for one day, officials said, adding that there would be two Hajj flights for eight days. UNI
