Srinagar, June 19 -- While the first batch of Hajj pilgrims returned to Srinagar on Tuesday after performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the rest of the 13 flights will start returning from June 26, officials said.

Chief minister (CM) Omar Abdullah received the first batch of Hajj pilgrims at the Srinagar International Airport. The CM personally welcomed and congratulated the pilgrims on their safe return. He interacted with the pilgrims and inquired about their experiences and the facilities provided during the pilgrimage.

The pause in the return of the flights is to compensate for the time some pilgrims missed in the holy land as they couldn't start the journey on time in May owing to the suspension of Hajj flights after the military st...