Srinagar, June 2 -- Srinagar- The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the return phase of Haj-2026 operations through the Srinagar Embarkation Point.

The inaugural flight carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 women, landed at Srinagar International Airport in the afternoon. The pilgrims were received by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and other senior civil and police officials.

J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said all 144 pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight arrived safely in Srinagar.

He said elaborate arrangements ...