Date:25/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/25/stories/2007052521540100.htm

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Tight security at Mecca Masjid

Special Correspondent

Proposal to provide mosque with electronic jammers, says Minister for Minorities Welfare

HYDERABAD: A day ahead of the Friday prayers at Mecca Masjid in the old city here on Thursday, the Government decided to put in place tight security measures around the historic mosque where a powerful bomb blast killed nine people a week ago.

Six doorframe-type metal detectors will be installed at the entrance of the mosque and other points inside it, while an equal number of hand-held metal detectors and 21 closed circuit cameras will be deployed to pre-empt any possible mischief.

These facilities were available at the mosque earlier, but ordered to be withdrawn by the Government following representations by clerics.

Meeting held

Security arrangements for Friday were discussed at a meeting that Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohd Ali Shabbir held with senior officials of the city police, Wakf Board, the Haj House and Archaeology Department besides the District Collector here on Thursday, keeping in view the deadly attack last week.

The Minister told reporters that a proposal was being examined to provide the mosque with electronic jammers since the May 18 blast was suspected to have been triggered by a mobile phone.

He said the Government would bear the cost of these security measures that are expected to cost Rs. 30 lakhs.

Security at mosques

He said the meeting decided to entrust the security of the historical mosques in Tolichowki and Khairatabad to the Archaeology Department, that of the Haj House and Nampally mosque to the Wakf Board and of the Royal Mosque in Public Gardens to the Minorities Welfare Department.

City Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh said sufficient forces would be deployed at the place for the prayers.