Home Worldwide Indonesia April, 2008 Police to protect …

Jakarta (ANTARA News) — The National Police Headquarters has ordered the force`s rank and file to protect the activities and houses of worship of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah sect from acts of violence by any other group in society.

“The protection is meant to prevent violent and anarchic acts from being committed against Ahmadiyah followers,” National Police spokesman Insp Gen Abubakar Nataprawira said here on Friday.

He said police chiefs across the country had been instructed to ensure the safety of followers of Ahmadiyah and their places of worship.

Abubakar added the protection of followers of the Islamic sect was part of the National Police responsibility to protect every Indonesian citizen regardless of his or her religious beliefs.

“Every citizen of Indonesia has the right to be protected,” Abubakar said, calling on the people to avoid violent acts and anarchy against Ahmadiyah followers.

Meanwhile, The Jakarta Post said on Friday the government was preparing a joint decree to ban Ahmadiyah following a recommendation by a government board.

The recommendation was discussed on Thursday at a meeting led by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widod Adi Sucipto.

Commenting on the government plan to ban Ahmadiyah, Abubakar said the National Police would abide by the government`s decision. (*)

Copyright © 2008 ANTARA Source: www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/4/18/police-to-protect-ahmadiyah-activities-house-of-worships/