280 Hajj pilgrims return

The first batch of 280 Muslims returned home today after performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage at Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,Hajj and Auqaf Minister Aijaz Ahmad Khan and senior government officials received the pilgrims at the Srinagar International Airport,an officialspokesman said.

He said the pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and assistance provided by the Hajj Committee during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

More than 8,000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed the Hajj this year.

The last flight carrying the Hajj pilgrims will return on December 12.