Emergency plan for holy cities
It is heartening to read the report “Ministry OKs emergency plan for holy cities” ( July 11) as this initiative will provide excellent facilities and security for pilgrims and local residents of Makkah and Madinah. I congratulate Interior Minister Prince Ahmed for approving the civil defense plan to tackle emergency situation in the holy cities during Ramadan this year. Also, as per the Civil Defense plan, services of foot and vehicle patrols, firefighters, rescue team, first-aid operators, inspectors and medical evacuation, rapid intervention team and helicopter facilities will be implemented, all of which will boost the morale of the pilgrims and will give them some peace of mind so that they are able to perform Umrah smoothly. Ramadan falls on July 20 and will last until Aug. 18. These days are particularly hot but if all the mentioned facilities are provided to the pilgrims it will be a big boon for them. Every year, the Kingdom renders excellent facilities in the two holy cities.
The Saudi government deserves all kinds of honor and praise for their efforts. Now, it is the duty of the local people and pilgrims to know their responsibilities and to maintain integrity and a good atmosphere everywhere. They should not throw garbage and dirt or spit on the roads and inside the Two Holy Mosques. Also, do not buy Zamzam water from the salesman or saleswoman selling on the roads as it can be contaminated and the consumption of such water can create serious physical hazards. It is always advisable and desirable to fill up the Zamzam can from government allotted places. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
Muslims in India
I read with interest the article “Muslims face housing apartheid in Indian cities” (July 12). I would like to add a minor point here that in the eyes of the Brahmins there are 450 million Muslim untouchables in Hindustan and have been so for many years, in addition to the 220 million non-Muslim untouchables. The article covers the growing threat to the Indian Muslims. The threat the author perceives has been there well before the establishment of Pakistan, and is part of the strategy of dispossession, ownership and identity of Hindustan (of the Muslim) by the British and their Hindu collaborators. This is a tragedy not yet perceived by Islamabad. But it is never too late. — Niaz-ul-Haq, by e-mail
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Highlighting the issue is the first step to anything. Thanks for highlighting the issue of the housing apartheid facing the Muslims. It has been too long that we have not spoken as a country about this issue. People of a country cannot live in ghettos. People need to accept that we are humans before we became political animals. Thanks for hitting the conscience once again. Keep doing it. — Shashank Sharma, Dubai
Dara Singh: Death of a legend
As Indian cinema celebrates its 100 years, a great era in the Indian films has come to an end with the passing away of iconic wrestler and Bollywood actor Dara Singh. He brought name and fame for not only himself but for India. He was a great human being, who in real life always shunned violence. He was a multifaceted personality, an acclaimed wrestler, a legendary actor, producer as well as a politician.
Singh won many world championships, and had the honor of performing in wrestling matches that were watched by the likes of former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Charan Singh, Moraraji Desai, Chandershekhar and Rajiv Gandhi. Singh entertained the audience with his acting skills for over five decades. — Ramesh G. Jethwani, Bangalore
Letters — Emergency plan for holy cities
