SRINAGAR, May 4 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this morning accorded a warm send-off to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, extending his best wishes for their safe journey and smooth performance of Manasik-e-Hajj.

The Chief Minister arrived at Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar early this morning, where he interacted with the pilgrims before their departure. A total of 178 pilgrims boarded a direct flight to Saudi Arabia.

While interacting with the pilgrims, the Chief Minister expressed his hope for their well-being and a spiritually fulfilling Haj-e-Baitullah. He urged them to pray for lasting peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and for protection of its people from suffering and adver...