EXPATRIATES have been assured it is safe to walk around Manama during the Ashoora processions – despite fears they could be targeted by radical groups.

Daily crowds of up to 100,000 have been converging near Bab Al Bahrain since last week and the number is expected to peak at more than 200,000 between Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

People flock to Manama every year to mark Ashoora, which commemorates the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed.

Public Processions Commission spokesman Murthada Al Halwachi said expatriates were always given a warm welcome during the processions, particularly those who stick to the traditional dress code of black.

“So wrong information circulated online by extremists that they will be targeted by anyone are all false because there has never been an incident reported or that anyone has ever been harmed,” he said.

“The Interior Ministry has also offered us community police, along the procession route or near ma’atams, and the General Directorate of Traffic is helping us organise the place and fine those who park illegally.

“Basically we are ready in every aspect – security and services.

“We have an average of 100,000 people daily, but from Tuesday to Thursday it will be more than 200,000 people.

“This number is not strange to us and we have seen similar numbers over the past five years.

“I don’t think that we have to worry about anyone losing control because people themselves are well organised and controlled.”

Mr Al Halwachi, whose family runs Bin Zabar Ma’atam, hailed preparations for this year’s event and praised the Interior, Health, Works, and Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs ministries and the Electricity and Water Authority.

“We have a 24-hour clinic with 35 doctors and 22 volunteers besides hundreds of cleaners provided by Gulf City Cleaning Company to ensure that the place is cleaned minute by minute,” said the retired Reuters accountant.

“Groups of volunteers are capable of speaking the language of expatriate visitors and escorting them around ma’atams, attractions and tents where they are free to sit, eat, debate and even participate.

“We tend to have special places allocated for men and women, but an expatriate couple will not be separated.

“Many expatriates bring food and drink for people taking part in the processions and some even help around putting up flags, banners and signs in a beautiful gesture that we are grateful for.”

The Interior Ministry official confirmed police would be out in force in areas where processions are taking place to ensure safety, security and proper organisation.
“Traffic, community and normal police in addition to firemen are always present to provide support and protection,” said an official.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh