Two million Muslims to perform Haj this year

Over two million Muslims, including 136,000 Indians, will begin Haj when they assemble in the valley of Mina as Saudi authorities said preparations have been completed for the world's largest annual gathering after the city underwent a multi-billion overhaul. Mecca Governor Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah said preparations were complete for Haj which begins tomorrow. "The plan for welcoming pilgrims was successful. All government and private agencies should mobilise their human and technical resources to make the annual event a big success," he said. Prince Mishaal, who is chairman of the Central Haj Committee, instructed security officers not to allow pilgrims without Haj permits into the holy sites and impose sanctions on violators. Saudi Arabia has deployed over 70,000 officers in Mecca, Madina and other holy cities to ensure safety and security of pilgrims. A number of foreign heads of state, including Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Hamid, Sudanese President Omar Bashir, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, have arrived for Haj. Pilgrims will begin leaving for Mina late in the night or early morning tomorrow.