The first batch consisting of 335 Haj pilgrims returned back to Hyderabad to a warm welcome at the Haj Terminal of GMR Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in the early hours today. The Haj Chartered Flight landed 40 minutes before the scheduled time. Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Mohammed Mahmood Ali received the pilgrims at the Tarmac of the airport and congratulated them on fulfilling their life time desire of performing Haj. He expressed his happiness over the best arrangements made in the Saudi Arabia and said that all the Hajis performed hassle-free Haj in a systematic and disciplined manner. As many as 4900 pilgrims belonging to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
and Karnataka had left for pilgrimage from Hyderabad. There were two cases of natural deaths and a very few fell sick. Altogether the pilgrimage was peaceful and safe.
The pilgrims after fulfilling necessary requirements came out to of the Haj Terminal to join their dear ones in an emotionally charged atmosphere. From the Haj Terminal they returned back to their respective places, while accommodation was provided to the pilgrims of other districts at Haj House, Nampally for their short sojourn at Hyderabad.
Mr. Baba Fasiuddin Deputy Mayor GHMC, Mr. Syed Omar Jaleel, Secretary to Govt. Minorities Welfare Department, Govt. of Telangana, Prof. S A Shukoor Special Officer Telangana State Haj Committee and others were present on this occasion. They congratulated the pilgrims on their successful return from the sacred journey. (NSS)