Security at Taipei Main Station during Islamic holiday stepped up in wake of train bombing

In the wake of Friday’s train bombing, police tightened security today at the Taipei Main Station where at least 20,000 Muslim migrant workers and their friends were sitting on the floor of the main station hall, celebrating the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan. In the main hall of the Taipei Main Station Indonesian migrant workers sat on the floor in circles to celebrate what was for them a very special day. Migrant Worker Today marks our new year, so we want to be together with friends. The importance of the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr to Muslims is similar to that of the Lunar New Year for Taiwanese people. As the crowd shared meals, the station hall for Muslims became a home away from home. The crowd chose to congregate in the Taipei Main Station as it is the most convenient transportation hub. Migrant WorkerIt’s easy to find people here. We just say (meet at) “the hall” and everyone immediately knows what hall we are referring to. Just three days ago, Taiwan experienced a train bombing, so security was stepped up. With so many people flooding into the station’s main hall to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, even some migrant workers admitted that they were nervous being in a railway station. The Taiwan Railways Administration also stepped up security measures. Huang Jung-huaTaipei Main Station Master We are working to protect the crowd’s security. Railway police are working with the Taipei police. Each unit has dispatched police to the station to increase manpower. We also dispatched nine secret security officials to the venue as backup. The Taiwan Railways Administration was taking no chances in hopes that migrant workers would be able to enjoy a safe and happy Eid al-Fitr.