JEDDAH: A fingerprinting campaign, titled “Imprint Homeland,” against extremism and terrorism, was launched at the Jeddah corniche on Thursday night. The drive will cover all the 17 regions of Makkah province.

The campaign, initiated by the Makkah governorate, will mainly target a million young population, both male and female, through 150 events, with the cooperation of Makkah Youth Society for Volunteers, Commission for Entrepreneurs and the region’s Youth Forum.

During the campaign, which is being held under the patronage of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the youth will collect fingerprints of citizens and residents with a vow against extremism and intolerance, in support of the security of the homeland.

Welcoming the drive, the citizens and resident of Jeddah said it is necessary to develop the behavior of people, especially youngsters, and make them understand that extremism is not a solution to any problem and that understanding and tolerance always help in making wise decisions.

Omar Ahmed Falih, a citizen, said society needs such awareness events and parents should keep a close watch on children and teach them ethics and values for the sake of the country.

He said that such campaigns are needed for teaching the core values of Islam, principles of tolerance and loyalty to the nation. The Makkah governorate has done a commendable job by targeting the youth, who are the future of the nation.

Anas Abdul Rahman, another citizen, said the campaign will help the younger population to understand cultural and moral values.

“The importance of the awareness is that it is launched for young people to protect them from extremist ideology and increase their awareness.”

Saleh Isa’ee, a student, said that the Makkah governorate is keen to raise awareness about core values and culture of the Saudi society under the teachings of Shariah, and wants to develop the youth and society according to these values and want them to understand their duties toward the homeland.