SRINAGAR: Over 6,300 pilgrims were today selected through draw of lots for the annual Haj pilgrimage from Jammu and Kashmir even as authorities sought more seats from the Centre after the state received a record number of over 32,000 applications this year.
The draw of lots was held at Haj Committee of India server in Mumbai for the allocated quota of 6,359 aspirants, covering only the applicants under reserved categories, an official of the State Haj Committee said.
He said there has been around 15 per cent increase in the number of Haj aspirants in the state over the last year.
"The State Haj Committee has received a record number of 32,298 applications which includes 2,905 applications under reserved category A (70-year plus applicants along with a defined companion), 4,009 under Reserved category B (4th time consecutive applicants) and 25,384 General Category applications.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hassan Samoon said the state has sought increase in the allocation of Haj Quota from the Centre to accommodate all reserved category applicants and some from the general category.