MANAMA: Security is a joint responsibility and all sections of society must stand united to confront criminal acts targeting the lives of innocent people. "Those who are adamant in sowing divisions and undermining security will not stop unless society stands united and rejects these practices which are alien to Bahrain," said Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa last night.

He was speaking as he met citizens from the five governorates as part of efforts to promote community partnership and to assure citizens of Bahrain's security and stability.

He discussed recent incidents - terror blasts which targeted policemen on duty in Eker and Sitra, explosions in Hamad Town which left two citizens seriously injured, a blast in a parking lot in Exhibition Avenue, a blaze which gutted a car near Al Fateh mosque and a cylinder blast in Bilad Al Qadeem which left a mother and child seriously injured.

The Interior Minister slammed defamatory allegations that the policemen are too heavy-handed and use excessive force.

He stressed that the policemen's duty was to protect everyone and maintain law and order and they had every right to defend themselves in conformity with the law.

Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid revealed that security was being stepped up in certain areas due to mounting acts of violence and where rallies tended to degenerate into rioting.

He also pointed out that the security personnel had been praised by His Majesty King Hamad, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, for their efforts in ensuring a safe and smooth Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Interior Minister stressed that policemen were the only ones in charge of maintaining law and order and urged people to follow the law.