New Delhi, Jan 26: The district administration in Agra issued a directive stating only local residents with valid identity proof will be allowed to enter Taj Mahal to offer Juma namaz on Fridays. The move came following complaints that ‘outsiders’, including Bangladeshis and ‘non-Indians’ enter the mosque on Fridays despite it remains shut for visitors on that day.
The advisory issued by Additional District Magistrate (city), KP Singh noted that entry of such people can adversely affect the security of the world class monument. “In case any outsider tries to enter the mosque, the DM should be informed immediately,” the directed cited.
While talking to Times of India, District Magistrate, Agra, Guarav Dayal said, “As of now, for namaaz, we will only allow persons who are residents of Agra city”.
The administration has also decided to sent three magistrate on the East, the West and the South gates on each Friday to check the identity of people entering Taj.
An official talking to the daily said,”Similar orders were issued in 2013 by ASI but they were not complied with properly.”
Earlier in 2013, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has banned foreigners from offering Juma namaz or Friday prayers at Mumtaz Masjid, after a group of Bangladeshi tourists gained entry to Taj Mahal.