Srinagar, May 5 -- The first batch of 178 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Sunday for the annual Haj pilgrimage, officials aware of the matter said. Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the airport. "Today, I had the honour of bidding a warm see-off to the first batch of 178 Haj pilgrims from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar. Wished them a safe, fulfilling journey and humbly requested prayers for peace and prosperity in our region," Abdullah said. LG Sinha also extended his greetings to the pilgrims. "The divine pilgrimage is a call from the almighty and a cherished and life-long dream. The Centre is committed to ensure the best possible arran...