Srinagar, April 18 -- Srinagar- The first batch of 431 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, with Chief MinisterOmar Abdullahseeing them off at Srinagar airport.

The pilgrims, comprising 230 men and 201 women, left in three separate flights to undertake the annual Haj pilgrimage.

Officials said all necessary arrangements were put in place at the Haj House in Bemina to ensure a smooth departure. These included transportation, baggage handling and documentation facilities for the pilgrims.

Hundreds of family members and relatives gathered outside the Haj House and at the airport to bid an emotional farewell, with scenes of prayers and goodbyes marking the departure.

Authorities said a total of 4,764 ...