Jammu, April 18 -- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday expressed gratitude and prayers as the first batch of Hujjaj from Kashmir departed for the sacred pilgrimage to Baitullah in Makkah.

In a message, the Mirwaiz said it is a moment of great blessing and spiritual significance as pilgrims begin their journey of Hajj. He prayed for their safe travel and for the acceptance of their pilgrimage.

Addressing the pilgrims, he urged them to remember the wider Ummah during their prayers, especially at the plains of Arafat - considered the most sacred moment of Hajj.He appealed to them to pray not only for themselves but also for those facing hardship across the world.

He called for prayers for peace in regions affected by conflict, justice where t...