MAKKAH – Makkah police have announced an integrated security plan to ensure the comfort of the large number of pilgrims and visitors expected to converge on the holy city during Ramadan. Lt. Col. Abdulmuhsin Al-Maiman, spokesman for Makkah police, said on Sunday the authorities would mobilize all potentials to serve the guests of God and provide them with the maximum level of security and safety.
"This will enable the worshippers perform their religious rites in an atmosphere of peace, comfort and security," he said. Lt. Col. Al-Maiman said several meetings were held to work out the details of the integrated security plan with the participation of all related government agencies. The plan includes three basic aspects – public order, pedestrian security and the traffic plan. The security aspect involves deploying officers in the Central Area of the city to maintain security, combat all negative tendencies, including pickpocketing and thefts, and organize pedestrian movement. Al-Maiman said security patrols and plainclothes officers will be deployed throughout the city round the clock. Parking lots will be secured for Umrah pilgrims' vehicles at the gateways to Makkah from all directions. There will be shuttle services to the Haram from all car parks. Arrangements will be made to protect pilgrims' vehicles from tampering. Policemen will be deployed at all important points in the city to supervise the traffic plan for vehicles and transportation of pilgrims through the shuttle service. All details related to time and place have been taken into account while preparing the plan, Al-Maiman said. There will be supplementary plans for the last 10 days of the holy month, especially for the Night of Power and the Khatam Al-Qur'an (completion of the recitation of the Qur'an) prayers on the nights of Ramadan 27 and 29, when enormous crowds of worshippers and pilgrims are expected in the city. The plan will ensure all the districts of Makkah have enough security personnel to maintain order, facilitate traffic and ensure a smooth flow of pedestrians to the Grand Mosque. The security plan will be in force from July 4 until the eve of Eid Al-Fitr festival. There will be a separate plan for the day of feast. Al-Maiman lauded the unlimited support the Makkah police get from all quarters, including visitors, citizens and residents, during the holy season. He called on Umrah pilgrims and worshippers to cooperate with the authorities by strictly following instructions, which have been put in place for their own sake. — SG/SPA
