Saudi's roll out plans for safe Hajj

From Abdulai Mamudu Gariba, GNA Special Correspondent, Mina Courtesy Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture and Information and Ghana Ministry of Information

Mina, Dec. 06, GNA - The Saudi Arabia Ministry of the Interior has deployed about 100,000 security personnel as part of an integrated security plan put in place to ensure security of pilgrims at Holy sites. The Integrated Security Force has been drawn from various sectors of the Interior Ministry.

Prince Na=EFf Abdul Aziz, Minister of the Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, said this at Mina, near Mecca, in an address at a parade of the security personnel as part of an inspection of preparedness at the Holy sites. He was briefed on the security situation that has been put in place to ensure a smooth running of this year's Hajj.

With regard to traffic awareness and plan in Hajj, Prince Naif said the necessary training had been continuing by traffic officials. At a press conference attended by over 150 journalists from across the globe as well as a huge security presence, the Prince said the maintenance of strict security measures was necessary because terror threats still existed and he would not rule out occurrence of any untoward incidence.

He, however, said it was the duty of the Judiciary to decide when to issue a verdict in the trial of those accused of terror activities. "We cannot specify the time. The matter is left to the Judicial authorities."

Prince Naif expressed the hope that people without valid Hajj permits would have a sense of Islam and patriotism to follow what the State had decided and keep away from creating problems for the legal pilgrims.

He said the check points on the roads leading to Mecca were part of routine precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Prince Na=EFf said people with deviant thoughts should respect the grand Islamic event like Hajj.

"We must be ready and not rule out the occurrence of anything that might take us unawares. We hope nothing that clouds the Hajj would take place. We depend on Allah and our security capabilities and we can face any eventuality."

The field parade of security forces included the Special Emergency Forces, the Public Security, Civil Defence, Passport Department, the Mujahideen Forces, the Traffic Department and the Road Security. Other government agencies that took part in the parade included the Ministry of Health, Red Crescent and King Fadh Security College.