About 600 persons from across Karnataka embarked on the Haj pilgrimage from here on Saturday as thousands lined up to wish them at the Khuddus Saheb Idgah Maidan on Miller's Road. Union Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily arrived at the Idgah Maidan in the evening to wish those leaving by special buses to the airport.
The Minister, who wished the Hajis, urged them to pray for the wellbeing of their families and also the country. On the fate of 451 persons who have been denied visas by Saudi Arabia, the Minister said: “I'm looking into the matter.”
Meanwhile, Zachariah Sait from Bangalore, who is among those who have been denied the visa said: “We are hopeful of getting the visa to proceed on the Haj pilgrimage,”
According to the Haj Committee, the last batch of about 1,000 Hajis will fly to Saudi Arabia over the next two days. In all, about 7,500 from the State will be embarking on the pilgrimage with help from the Haj Committee.
