Srinagar, Jun 17 (PTI) The first batch of 178 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned on Tuesday after completing the annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received the pilgrims at the Srinagar airport, they said.

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"The flight carrying the first batch of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia who completed Haj arrived here this evening," the officials said.

The flight carrying 178 pilgrims arrived at 9:15 pm, they said.

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The officials said that all arrangements were made for smooth return of the pilgrims.

Speaking to reporters outside the airport, the chief minister said he is grateful that he and his colleagues got the opportunity to welcome the pilgrims.

Abdullah said he is also grateful to the pilgrims for praying for Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)