Srinagar, April 19 -- Amid the US-Israel-Iran war, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from the Kashmir Valley departed for Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage on Saturday, marking the beginning of the sacred journey.

Hundreds of family members gathered since early morning at Haj House, Bemina, here to bid farewell to their loved ones. The premises witnessed touching moments as relatives embraced departing pilgrims, offered prayers and wiped away tears before the journey began.

Officials said that the first batch of 431 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saw them off at the airport here, officials said.

The pilgrims, including 230 males and 201 females, left in three fligh...