Srinagar, May 16 (Reporter) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged the Government of India to arrange additional Hajj flights from Srinagar to clear the backlog of nearly 1,900 pilgrims whose travel plans were disrupted due to recent flight cancellations. Taking to the social media platform X, the office of the Chief Minister said he has taken up the issue with the Centre, stressing the need for urgent intervention to ensure that the pilgrims can embark on their sacred journey without further delay. “I have taken up with the Government of India the urgent need to arrange additional Haj flights from Srinagar to clear the backlog of 1,895 pilgrims caused by recent flight disruptions. Ensuring a smooth and timely pilgrimage for our pilgrims is the Government’s priority,” Omar posted. The backlog of Haj pilgrims occurred after flight operations at the Srinagar Airport were temporarily suspended amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of “Operation Sindoor” in the early hours of May 7. The heightened tension between India and Pakistan led to airspace restrictions and precautionary suspensions of flights, affecting not only domestic passengers but also those scheduled to depart for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from Srinagar. The first Hajj flight from Srinagar departed on May 4, carrying 178 pilgrims. The Indo-Pak tension led to the cancellation of seven Hajj flights scheduled between May 7 and May 12. The flight operations resumed at Srinagar Airport on May 13, following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The Hajj flights recommenced on May 14...////...