CCTVs installed in Mecca Masjid for Friday prayers

Hyderabad, May 24: Police have made elaborate arrangements for the Friday prayers at Mecca Masjid here tomorrow, in the wake of the bomb blast last week, in which 14 people were killed and 50 others injured.

At a meeting with the clerics and religious leaders, police convinced them that it was in their own interest that CCTV cameras should be installed inside the Masjid so that police could observe the movements of every person from outside, police sources said.

Earlier on Fridays, CCTVs used to be set up and Mounted Police guarded the Masjid. However, clerics objected to this, alleging that police suspected every Muslim to be anti-national.

After the clerics and religious heads agreed, CCTV cameras were set up inside the Mosque.

About 18,000 to 20,000 police personnel are being deployed to meet any eventuality as thousands of devotees offer prayers in the Masjid on Fridays,the sources said, adding the police are also being provided with enough arms.

Mobile phones will not be allowed to be taken inside the Masjid.

Those carrying mobile phones would have to deposit them at the gate.

This is for the first time that mobile phones would not be allowed inside the masjid.

Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) were erected at all the entry points and policemen would frisk the devotees entering the Masjid.

Police forces would take their position much before dawn, the sources said.

Police are also continuing certain restrictions on the movement of civilians in the old city during nights. Male pillion riders are not being allowed on two wheelers between 2300 hrs to 0600 hrs. If some one has to be taken to a hospital due to illness, a pass has to be obtained from the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, Energy and Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir today reviewed the long-term security needs of the Mecca Masjid with city Police Commissioner Balvinder Singh and Collector R V Chandravadan. Talking to newspersons here the Minister said it was decided to set up 21-Closed Circuit TVs (CCTVs) cameras inside the Masjid and a control room outside.

Mr Shabbir said it was also decided that five 'Door Frame Metal Detectors' (DFMDs) would be permanently set up at the masjid.

Religious heads and peoples' representatives would be consulted before making any changes in the existing set-up, he added.

UNI