Minister of State for Hajj and Auqaf, Syed Farooq Andrabi today flagged-off first batch of Hajj-2017 pilgrims from Hajj House Srinagar.The Minister reached the Hajj House this morning wherefrom the first group of pilgrims left for Srinagar International Airport on way to the holy city of Madina Munnawara and Makkah Mukkaramah for performing Hajj.District Development Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Lone, Chief Executive State Hajj Committee and other officers of Civil and Police administration were present on the occasion.While interacting with the pilgrims, Andrabi wished them a safe journey and congratulated them besides extending best wishes to them for their pilgrimage.He asked the pilgrims to pray for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the State. The Hajjis thanked the Government for making elaborate arrangements at the Hajj House.Arrangements for transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking, security at Srinagar Hajj House, hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, distribution of travel documents, and issuance of boarding passes and other related facilities have been put in place to facilitate the pilgrims by the Government.