New Delhi: Those misusing Islam as a shield for terrorism are the biggest enemies of the religion as well as humanity, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday. “The entire world is coming together against these enemies of humanity who are active with different names. Destruction of such evil forces should be the commitment of humanity,” he said.
The minister was addressing a training camp organised for Haj pilgrims in south Mumbai. The Minority Affairs Ministry has been sending senior officials to Saudi Arabia to take stock of the arrangements, facilities and safety of about 1.36 lakh Indians proceeding for Haj pilgrimage this year, he said. “Haj pilgrimage is a cherished desire of every Muslim in his lifetime. During the pilgrimage, besides prayers for them and their families’ prosperity, Haj pilgrims should also pray for unity, peace, prosperity and harmony in our country and the entire world,” the BJP leader said.
Information regarding several aspects of the pilgrimage was provided in the camp organised by Sahyog Cultural Society. Naqvi congratulated the Society for the initiative. About 4,500 Haj pilgrims will proceed to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Haj pilgrimage from Mumbai this year from August 27. For Haj 2016, the travel of 1,00,020 pilgrims has been facilitated from 21 points across India through the Haj Committee. Besides, 36,000 pilgrims would be travelling through private tour operators.