Srinagar

The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and were received at the airport here by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, officials said.

They said the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims arrived at the Srinagar International Airport in the afternoon.

The pilgrims returning from the Haj were received at the airport by the chief minister, who was accompanied by his advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, and other senior officials.

The return operations, which commenced on Tuesday, for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will continue till June 16, the officials said.

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They said 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Haj this year, including 2,583 males and 2,058 females.