Hypermodestmuslima
20-01-2005, 12:05 AM
Hajj pilgrims remain wary despite new crowd control measures at holy sites
08:09 PM EST Jan 19
ADNAN MALIK
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Two million pilgrims descended on a mammoth tent city in Mina on Tuesday after taking part in sacred hajj rituals, but the festive atmosphere was tinged with concern over Saudi efforts to prevent the repeat of past pilgrimage catastrophes that have killed hundreds.
Saudi authorities have instituted a range of measures, including deploying more than 50,000 security forces, to dispel fears of possible terrorist attacks or crowd crushes during hajj rituals, which all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it.
"I will pray for the tsunami victims, but my immediate concern is that Allah enables us to complete our pilgrimage safe and sound," said Nigerian doctor Mokhtar Ahmed, 30.
The most visible change at this year's hajj, or pilgrimage, to Islam's holiest shrines is the use of enlarged Jamarats, the three pillars symbolizing the devil at which pilgrims throw stone pebbles. A stampede killed 244 pilgrims during last year's stoning ritual and another 1,426 died in similar fashion in 1990.
Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki said authorities had erected three new pillars, which were wider and taller than ones used previously, so more pilgrims could pelt rocks at them at the same time. Previously, thousands of stone-hurling pilgrims had to crowd in front of smaller pillars to get a clear shot.
A foot bridge leading to the pillars has also been expanded to accommodate more people and includes two new emergency exits, according to al-Turki.
"The roads are broader, and so are the pillars," said Muhammad Rafik, an Indian pilgrim who was on his seventh hajj.
Rafik said he was "was impressed with the way the Saudis have organized the hajj this year" and that he noticed "more police presence everywhere" throughout Mina's tent city.
Al-Turki said authorities consulted crowd management experts after last year's hajj to try to "implement changes in a way that would increase capacity and safety."
He said simulations were conducted resulting in structural changes that allow for continual stone throwing. In previous years throwing was interrupted to allow for the cleanup of pebbles.
"People can walk and throw" at the pillars at the same time, al-Turki said, instead of lingering around to hit all three smaller pillars.
The tent city bears many reminders of a 1997 fire that swept it, killing more than 340 and injuring 1,500. More than 40,000 fireproof tents are being used and dozens of fire engines are on standby.
Sheik Ahmad Saif Saifuddin, an Imam University professor who is closely connected with the Saudi Information Ministry, said "drastic changes" were made this hajj season to prevent any incidents.
"The Saudis are using more technology this year to help ease the situation," said Saifuddin.
Hundreds of electronic message boards were posted near tents and walkways, warning pilgrims not to overload electrical outlets. Message boards and public address speakers are also giving directions to health centres and provided traffic updates in several different languages.
As part of the challenge of hosting two million visitors, Saudi authorities have set up medical centres to treat sick pilgrims and prevent the spread of diseases.
© The Canadian Press, 2005
08:09 PM EST Jan 19
ADNAN MALIK
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Two million pilgrims descended on a mammoth tent city in Mina on Tuesday after taking part in sacred hajj rituals, but the festive atmosphere was tinged with concern over Saudi efforts to prevent the repeat of past pilgrimage catastrophes that have killed hundreds.
Saudi authorities have instituted a range of measures, including deploying more than 50,000 security forces, to dispel fears of possible terrorist attacks or crowd crushes during hajj rituals, which all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it.
"I will pray for the tsunami victims, but my immediate concern is that Allah enables us to complete our pilgrimage safe and sound," said Nigerian doctor Mokhtar Ahmed, 30.
The most visible change at this year's hajj, or pilgrimage, to Islam's holiest shrines is the use of enlarged Jamarats, the three pillars symbolizing the devil at which pilgrims throw stone pebbles. A stampede killed 244 pilgrims during last year's stoning ritual and another 1,426 died in similar fashion in 1990.
Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki said authorities had erected three new pillars, which were wider and taller than ones used previously, so more pilgrims could pelt rocks at them at the same time. Previously, thousands of stone-hurling pilgrims had to crowd in front of smaller pillars to get a clear shot.
A foot bridge leading to the pillars has also been expanded to accommodate more people and includes two new emergency exits, according to al-Turki.
"The roads are broader, and so are the pillars," said Muhammad Rafik, an Indian pilgrim who was on his seventh hajj.
Rafik said he was "was impressed with the way the Saudis have organized the hajj this year" and that he noticed "more police presence everywhere" throughout Mina's tent city.
Al-Turki said authorities consulted crowd management experts after last year's hajj to try to "implement changes in a way that would increase capacity and safety."
He said simulations were conducted resulting in structural changes that allow for continual stone throwing. In previous years throwing was interrupted to allow for the cleanup of pebbles.
"People can walk and throw" at the pillars at the same time, al-Turki said, instead of lingering around to hit all three smaller pillars.
The tent city bears many reminders of a 1997 fire that swept it, killing more than 340 and injuring 1,500. More than 40,000 fireproof tents are being used and dozens of fire engines are on standby.
Sheik Ahmad Saif Saifuddin, an Imam University professor who is closely connected with the Saudi Information Ministry, said "drastic changes" were made this hajj season to prevent any incidents.
"The Saudis are using more technology this year to help ease the situation," said Saifuddin.
Hundreds of electronic message boards were posted near tents and walkways, warning pilgrims not to overload electrical outlets. Message boards and public address speakers are also giving directions to health centres and provided traffic updates in several different languages.
As part of the challenge of hosting two million visitors, Saudi authorities have set up medical centres to treat sick pilgrims and prevent the spread of diseases.
© The Canadian Press, 2005