Ahmed Al-Subaie Okaz newspaper AT a press conference on Oct. 29, Prince Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, raised the possibility of fencing off the holy sites to prevent illegal pilgrims from Haj. He said the project, which received the King's approval, is mainly meant to tighten control over the entrances of the holy sites, particularly Arafat. In theory, the project is acceptable as it has some positive aspects. The King has given it the initial go-ahead, which means the project is not final. Of course, experts and specialists will thoroughly examine all aspects of the project and its consequences before its implementation. The project may succeed or fail. The fence may not achieve its goal – the deterrence of the smugglers and smuggled pilgrims. Of course, such a project should be accompanied by in-depth analysis. I believe the planners must have considered the following questions: Does the project mean fencing off Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina with one wall or will each of the sites be fenced off separately? Don't we fear that the odious trio — weak spirit, low income and high cost of living — would force some people to resort to bribery to gain access to the holy sites? Corruption has become a nightmare for the anti-graft commission and for everyone who works in the commission. Can we guarantee that the weak-spirited will not try to forge the Haj permits and bracelets? Can anyone rule out the possibility of a fire in Arafat or Mina? And If that happens, God forbid, what will be the fate of hundreds thousands of pilgrims? Definitely there will be stampedes when people will race with each other to get out of the fenced areas to save their lives. In such an eventuality, how many will die and how many will sustain injuries? Then what about the pilgrims who travel to the holy sites on foot? Of course, they should be counted along with the pilgrims inside the wall. How long will it take the security forces to scrutinize the Haj permits one by one? This will create unprecedented chaos and crowding at the gates and many of the elderly may fall to the ground in the ensuing stampede. Finding a radical solution to the problem of illegal pilgrims is inevitable. I like to suggest some solutions to this perpetual problem: Whoever tries to sneak into the holy sites without having a Haj permit shall be detained and deported immediately. Publish the names and nationalities of the violators in the media. The authorities concerned should notify all embassies of this decision. It may be appropriate that all authorized pilgrims wear electronic bracelets given by the Ministry of Haj or Tawafa establishments. Without these bracelets no one should be allowed to enter the Jamarat area, and the tents in Mina and Arafat. These bracelets can also be used for passage on the Mashair trains. I think these measures will be sufficient to restrain illegal pilgrims.
