Hajj-2024: First batch of pilgrims to return Kashmir on June 22
Sgr couple among 10 Kashmiri pilgrims die of ‘heat stroke’
Srinagar: The first flight carrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to return to the Kashmir Valley on June 22 (Saturday).
The flight, carrying about 322 pilgrims, is expected to land at Srinagar Airport at 8:30 PM.
Dr. Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of Haj House Srinagar informed that two more flights are scheduled for June 23, arriving at 11:50 AM and 4:25 PM respectively.
The return of pilgrims marks a significant moment for the community in Kashmir, highlighting the culmination of their spiritual journey during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Pertinently, a couple among nine Kashmir pilgrims are among the 65 Indian pilgrims, who died during Hajj-2024.
As already reported this year, over 7000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina.
Of these, approximately 6800 pilgrims departed through the Srinagar embarkation point, while over 500 pilgrims travelled from other airports.
Meanwhile, during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage ten Kashmiri pilgrims including a husband-wife duo from Srinagar have died due to ‘heat stroke’ in Arafat and Muzdalifa in Saudi Arabia, said an official on Thursday.
A senior Jammu and Kashmir Hajj officer said that the extreme temperatures experienced during the pilgrimage took a toll on the health of several pilgrims, resulting in the death of ten Kashmiri pilgrims, including eight women and two men.
“The temperature has been soaring, and unfortunately, ten pilgrims from Kashmir including a couple from Srinagar have succumbed to heat stroke,” the official stated.
The official stated that among the ten deceased includes a Srinagar based couple too.
As per the officials, the deaths have taken place in Arafat and Muzdalifa, and among the dead eight are women and two men.
The official said that during the ongoing holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, temperatures even soared to a scorching over 48°C, saying that despite hot weather conditions, pilgrims persevered in performing their religious duties.
The senior officer said that the Saudi government shifted the bodies immediately to hospital on the 9th evening from Arafat and on 10th evening from Muzdalifa, and that after biometric identification they were publishing a list of those who had expired.
The official said the deceased pilgrims were accompanied by their relatives, and it has been confirmed that they will be buried in Makkah.
According to the officials, this year, over 7000 pilgrims from the region undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina.
Of these, approximately 6800 pilgrims departed through the Srinagar embarkation point, while over 500 pilgrims traveled from other airports.
Meanwhile, the officials have said that the arrival of J&K pilgrims will start from 22 June and in the first batch 322 pilgrims will be arriving at Srinagar international airport. (KNO)
