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Record number of Indian pilgrims head for Haj
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 07:53:54 AM,
IANS
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New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, during a ceremonial
send-off Tuesday, asked Haj pilgrims from India to pay attention
to their security.
Over 170,000 Muslims from India will embark on the annual
pilgrimage this year.
Krishna said the government attached the highest importance to
facilitating the pilgrimage and paid close attention to the
arrangements in India and Saudi Arabia.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit was also present during the
ceremony held here.
"I am happy to tell you that a record number of 1,25,000 Haj
pilgrims will be traveling through the Haj Committee on 525 return
flights," Krishna said, adding that another 45,431 pilgrims were
travelling through private tour operators.
Bhopal and Goa have been added as new embarkation points from this
year, in addition to the existing 19.
"While I wish all the pilgrims the very best, I also request them
to pay adequate attention to all aspects of their security and
well-being," he said.
For the first time in 45 years, India's national carrier Air India
will not transport the Haj pilgrims. Three Saudi carriers -- Saudi
Arabian Airlines, Al-Wafer and Nasair -- will operate 431 flights
for the pilgrims.
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