Bahrain tightens security for Ashura ceremonies

The annual Ashura commemorations began in Bahrain on Friday with large numbers of people flocking to the heart of the capital Manama where most of the oldest and most popular religious centres are located.

However, security proved to be the main concern this year as officials try to ensure the safety of the faithful in light of the increasing attacks on Shiites in neighbouring Iraq.

For the first time, cars are not allowed to get close to the Matams, the Shiite religious centres where the death of Imam Hussain,

the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), 1,400 years ago is commemorated.

Also emergency services, including health and civil defence, are available at the Matams at all times.

Bahrain is estimated to have at least 600 officially recognised Matams which enjoy the sponsorship of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa.

Hussain Al Alawi, president of the Hussaini Procession Board, said the organisation, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has taken a number of security measures to ensure safety during the 10- day observance.

Cars are not allowed to enter Manama city centre during the evening hours, he said.

"There will be special vehicles to transport senior citizens and the disabled to the Matams," he said in a statement.

It is believed that the new security plan is being implemented following a rise in terrorist attacks in the region, especially those that targeted Shiite religious centres in Iraq in recent days.

A suicide bomber killed 170 people in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala during Ashura last year.

Bahrain, where the Shiites constitute a relative majority, is famous for its processions, especially on the 10th day of Muharram, the day on which Imam Hussain is believed to have been killed in battle against the army of the Umayyad caliph Yazid.

Matam officials estimate that more than 100,000 people usually take part in the procession on that day.

Bahrain, famous for its open-minded culture and social harmony, has so far been spared the attacks that have struck Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

But officials are taking no chances and security personnel have been put on alert to ensure the safety of the faithful.

Several meetings were held in governorates prior to the start of the ceremonies to discuss security and other relevant issues such as health and social services.

Salman Al Zayani, Governor of the Central Region, said he had directed authorities to set up make-shift camps by the region's most crowded Matams for the Red Crescent, the police, Civil Defence and an office to assist lost children.

In Bahrain's second largest city, Al Muharraq, the governor said the Ministry of Interior had agreed to set up roadblocks near the Matams to bar cars from entering crowded areas and remove parked vehicles.

"It is a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the safety of processions and avoiding traffic jams," governor Salman Bin Hindi said after a meeting with organisers of the processions.