A sprawling tent city spreading over 185 acres of land is ready to house over a million followers of Islam who would be visiting to attend the three-day ‘Aalami Tableeghi Ijtema’ (International Islamic Congregation) at Ghasipura in Eintkhedi village on the northern outskirts of the State capital, Bhopal.
Spokesman of the organising committee Atique-ul-Islam while talking to The Pioneer said, “All preparations for the annual grand occasion are complete and the stage is all set for the 67th edition of three-day. The congregation that would begin on Saturday, December 6, soon after the Fajir Namaz (pre-dawn prayers) would come to an end on Monday, December 8, morning with the mass Dua (prayer).”
Islam further said, “Muslims from all over the world have started arriving here in Jamaats (Groups of devotees). Jamaats from almost every State of the country have already reached the Ijtema venue besides Jamaats from Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri lanka, China, Tanzania and Afghanistan has also reached here.”
Islam said that the Jamaats from other countries including Middle East and Europe would also arrive soon.
He said that arrangements have been made on over 185 acres of land; the main ‘pandal’ has come up on about 35 acres of land to accommodate the Jamaats.
In the main ‘pandal’ tens of thousands of people will camp for three days listening to the holy sermons of Islamic scholars from across the world.
The remaining 100 acres of land has been left for parking and shopping plots meant for eateries, about 5,000 ablutions points for Wuzu, have been made.
The venue is spotted with 275 water tanks of 5000 liter capacity. In all 24 tube-wells have been connected to ensure proper water supply. More than 2500 makeshift urinals and toilets have been put with a temporary sewage system.
Extra security measures are being taken with nothing being left to chance.
While within the Ijtema campus Tableeghi Jamaat volunteers will keep a tight vigil on security outside and around the Ijtema venue the cadres of MP Police will do their job of maintaining law and order. In a bid to boost security in and around the venue CCTVs are being installed at strategic points.
Police have set up watchtowers and hundreds of policemen will be present on the spot. Apart from police, the personnel of Rapid Action Force, (RAF), and the Traffic police will be in attendance along with hundreds of volunteers of Tableeghi Jamaat to streamline the vehicular traffic.