MAKKAH, 15 February 2003 — Prince Naif, minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, yesterday described this year’s Haj as one of the best ever.
He was speaking to those in charge of Haj security at his ministry’s office here.
“This year’s Haj was one of the best because of the bounties Allah has bestowed upon all and because of the intensive and continuous efforts you exerted,” he told the security officials.
Prince Naif said he was addressing not only the security men in the holy places “but also all security personnel in various parts of the Kingdom who have a great responsibility to shoulder under the directives of their leaders.”
Prince Naif regretted reports carried by some news agencies and newspapers that the tragedy that struck some pilgrims in the past two days took place at the Jamarat, “while you all know that it happened in Souq Al-Arab because of the misconduct of some pilgrims.”
He said pilgrims always crowd on the Nafra Day as they move from Muzdalifa to Mina to throw stones at Jamarat, “but through good organization of pilgrims’ movement they can throw stones without incidents.” The 13,000 security men who controlled the pilgrims’ movement that day did a good job in helping the pilgrims, he added.
He called upon the security personnel to continue their duties at the same level of efficiency until all pilgrims return to their countries. Prince Naif also urged Muslims who have performed Haj before to give their brothers a chance to perform their first Haj.
