MAKKAH: Haj pilgrims will not be allowed to use portable tents at the holy sites this year, said Lt. Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director general of public security.
“Tents used by some pilgrims who squat on the streets disrupt the movement of pedestrians, obstruct traffic and cause inconvenience to pilgrims, especially those trying to reach the Jamrat for the stoning ritual,” said Al-Qahtani, adding that squatting is “uncivilized.”
Al-Qahtani, who was speaking to Arab News, added that the tents also pose health hazards and may endanger lives by impeding paramedics and ambulances from reaching pilgrims in need of immediate medical attention.
The director general further called on Tawafa establishments and the companies that are taking care of domestic pilgrims to do their best in preventing people from squatting, which is against the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who has stressed the importance of keeping roads clean and traversable. “How can pilgrims dare to block streets in a small and limited area such as Mina?” he asked.
Al-Qahtani called for the cooperation of all official bodies to prevent squatting and said a special security unit has been established to prevent the use of portable tents. He also said the new force would try to prevent the sale of tents to pilgrims in Makkah.
“We are aiming to help the guests of God and allow them to perform Haj rituals with ease and comfort. We don’t want to create difficulties for them. Prohibiting the use of portable tents is part of that objective,” he said, adding that there are ample officially commissioned fixed tents to accommodate all pilgrims.
He said the small empty areas at the holy sites are there for pedestrians and service cars. “Pilgrims should not squat on streets, as they may harm themselves and others,” Al-Qahtani said, adding that police would be at hand to stop pilgrims from erecting their own tents.
The director general also regretted that traffic accidents were on the rise during the Haj season and said measures were being taken to prevent accidents. He attributed the rise in the number of accidents to reckless driving, fatigue and inefficiency on the part of the drivers.
Al-Qahtani also called on Haj transport companies to employ qualified drivers who are vigilant and fully awake, and to also give them time to rest. He also asked these companies to send two drivers in each of their buses to allow one to take over from the other when one becomes tired.
Al-Qahtani lauded the geographical data system laboratory, which was launched last year. He said it would ensure the proper distribution of security forces to organize the movement of pilgrims and would enable the guests of God to know the location of their stay. The system has also helped in providing accurate statistics about the number of pilgrims and has linked the information center with cameras installed all over the holy sites, he added.
Al-Qahtani praised and welcomed student volunteers who help and guide pilgrims and said the public security training centers were open for them.
