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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Police say they arrested 16 striking Chinese workers for allegedly damaging vehicles used on a light rail project in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. The workers allegedly damaged vehicles belonging to their employer in a protest over working conditions and pay, Gulf News reported.
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Called the Holy Sites Railway Project, the nearly $2 billion train system will be used to transport pilgrims visiting Muslim holy places, the report said.
About 8,000 Chinese workers allegedly converted the area, which runs parallel to Mount Arafat, and adjoins the border with the holy precincts of Makkah, into a "China town." Another 6,000 workers are expected to join the project soon.
"The swift move by police, including the arrest of 16 ringleaders, brought the rampage under control," said police spokesman Maj. Abdul Mohsen Al Maiman.
The construction area is covered by tents, residences and offices, and has separate facilities for Muslim and non-Muslim workers, the report said.
The monorail project was started in 2009, and is scheduled to be partially operational in time for this year's hajj, or religious pilgrimage, which begins around Nov. 14.
