Threats from communal elements to Haj pilgrims, Govt. of India instructs special security arrangements

Hyderabad: Mr. J. Alam, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India wrote a confidential letter addressed to all the Chief Secretaries of the States instructing them to provide special security to the pilgrims going for Haj. It is the first time that Ministry of Minority Affairs issued such a letter.

It may be mentioned that recently, a BJP MLA from UP had threatened that in case Ram Temple is not constructed, the disturbance would be created for the Haj pilgrims.

In the wake of the increasing activities of the Gau Rakshaks and also keeping in view the delicate situation, Ministry identified 6 items on which instructions were issued for providing special security.

The letter indicates that special arrangements should be made for the protection of Haj pilgrims while going from Haj House to the airport.

Special arrangements must also be made during the stay of Haj pilgrims in Haj House, at the embarkation point at the airport and also in the parking areas of Haj House and airport.

The ministry also instructed the State Governments to issue entry passes to the volunteers and the members of the Haj Committee after their thorough scrutiny to ensure that unwanted persons should not get these passes. Unconcerned persons should be kept away from Haj House and airport areas.

This is the first time that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India issued these instructions to the State Governments which shows the seriousness of the threat.

–Siasat News