Srinagar, April 18 -- The first batch of Hajj pilgrims departed from Srinagar's Bemina Haj House on Saturday, with police putting in place a multi-layered security blanket including drone surveillance and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to ensure a smooth start to the annual pilgrimage.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, visited the Haj House on the opening day of departures and extended his greetings to the pilgrims.

Srinagar police chief said "First of all, I would like to congratulate all the pilgrims from the bottom of my heart. Best wishes to everyone for this holy journey. This pilgrimage is a life-changing spiritual journey for our brothers," the SSP said.

He prayed that the worship of the...