Women police among contingent

KUWAIT CITY, July 27: With the approach of the month of Muharram (first month in the Islamic calendar), the Ministry of Interior has completed preparations to keep pace with the activities of the Husseiniyas on the start of Muharram, culminating on the 10th day or Ashura. It has allocated a security force of about 2,900 security personnel, including 100 women, that has been dispatched to secure 106 Husseiniyas.

Movement around these sites will be controlled in order to preserve the safety of its congregations, reports Al-Rai daily. The Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Operations, Traffic and Public Security Affairs Major General Jamal Al-Sayegh revealed that the ministry is ready to keep pace with the Ashura commemoration. He said, “Based on the instructions and supervision of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant-General Anwar Al-Barjas, all necessary arrangements have been completed as well as the readiness of all sectors involved in securing Husseiniyas. This is based on an integrated security plan that was developed in coordination with the owners of the Husseiniya councils, and after listening to some observations that the Ministry of Interior took into consideration, to ensure the safety of citizens and residents”.

Major General Al-Sayegh stressed that the security plan set by the ministry, which is represented in the distribution of fixed security detachments and foot patrols and the deployment of personnel from traffic and rescue, public security, intelligence, civil defense and special forces as well as medical emergencies and firefighting forces, as well as male and female volunteers. He said, “The task of securing entry and exit will be the responsibility of the organizers who own the councils within the walls. Outside, the task of the police will be to secure 106 Husseiniyas.

About 2,900 police officers were screened to secure the Husseiniyas including 100 women police officers. In addition, about 200 male and female volunteers will participate in the various tasks to closely monitor the security situation, ensure attendance, and inspect arrivals using the best equipment. The ministry has established a mini controls room in each governorate, linked with the main operations room in the ministry in Sabhan area. There are cameras that monitor each site from all directions. Also, security barriers are set up to prevent the presence of vehicles in the vicinity of the Husseiniya. All the police officers are fully equipped, fully prepared and have clear instructions to deal skillfully and efficiently with citizens and residents and provide them with any assistance”.