By ANTARA News,
Jakarta : Tha National Police Headquarters will protect the activities and houses of worship of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah from any acts of violence by any other group in society, its spokesman Inspector General Abubakar Nataprawira said on Friday.
“The protection is meant to prevent violent and anarchic acts from being committed against Ahmadiyah followers,” he was quoted by ANTARA news agency as saying, adding 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 Friday’s edition of The Jakarta Post was quoted as saying that 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.