He vowed to stand firm against that to prevent any alien practices seeking to drive wedges and jeopardize national security.
Speaking in a statement to Bahrain News Agency, following the meeting which was held yesterday between the Interior Minister and Heads of Ma’atams, he condemned exploiting houses of worship to harm social security calling on officials in charge of mosques and Ma’atams to ensure these places of worship do not derail from their real role.
He also expressed hope all citizens will unite to preserve national unity and social cohesion.
Three air pellet guns have been confiscated at a Malkiya-located mosque in the Northern Governorate. “Policemen have also seized live ammunition and several Molotov cocktail bombs,” Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) director-general in a statement said.
“Investigation is underway to track down the perpetrators. Policemen searched the mosque, which was under surveillance, and seized the air pellet guns after noticing dubious movement.”
“CID forensic teams have taken fingerprints and clues relating to the case. Police are now tracking down the source of the weapons and their users’ identity. Northern Governor Jaafar bin Rajab was present at the scene. The CID director-general stressed the role of people in charge of mosques in monitoring the activities taking place at these premise, pointing out the necessity to report any dubious thing.
In a major development, the Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, in the presence of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, met with heads of Hussaini Ma’atams in Bahrain within the framework of boosting communication with all social components.
He stressed Bahrainis’ ability to surmount challenges threatening internal security and stability thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also stressed the role of religious rostrums in consolidating national unity.
“We have reluctantly gone through tough security circumstances due to attempts by some people, who do not represent the Bahraini society, to harm the nation. The recent incidents have revealed that the culture of freedom and democracy for some did not cope with the ambition of ten years of reform spearheaded by HM the King on daily basis. Bahrain has no parallel with its reform project,” Shaikh Rashid said.
“We all belong to one homeland and are working in its interest in order to further cement the social texture. The Bahraini people have been characterized throughout history by national unity, tolerance and acceptance of the other. Therefore, voices calling for what is different are imported and do not represent Bahraini values,” he added.
He stressed keenness to further boost social partnership underlining the need to coordinate efforts to enforce the law.
“Freedom of practising religious rituals has been guaranteed since the antiquity by rulers of Bahrain without distinction,” he said stressing the government’s continuous support for Ma’atams as long as they continue to assume their real role.
“However, any attempt to misuse Ma’atams by lifting pictures of foreign leaders, religious and political figures, parties, slogans and foreign flags is categorically unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he added underscoring the need to preserve the role of Ma’atams in practising Hussaini rituals.
He also underlined the responsibility of Heads of the Hussaini Ma’atams to control what is going on inside them through their continuous presence mainly on special occasions to avoid criminal and administrative offences like giving speeches inciting violence and hatred or storing swords, weapons and leaflets.
The Interior Minister also spoke about homes which have been transformed into unlicensed Ma’atams, such as those set up in Hamad Town.
“We will enforce the law on any offence or encroachment on national unity and social peace,” he pledged emphasizing the need to respect the law.
He also stressed the need to agree on mourning occasions and organize them so that they don’t disrupt people’s daily life or cause any panic. Religious scholars coming from abroad will also be strictly controlled, he explained praying God Almighty to protect Bahrain and the Bahraini people.