Trump visit: Sabarmati Ashram will remain open on Feb 23, say authorities

AHMEDABAD: Sabarmati Ashram authorities in Ahmedabad have debunked rumors doing rounds on Wednesday that the Ashram will be closed on February 23 for security reasons, which is a day prior to US president Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to the premises.
A statement from the Ashram has confirmed that the premises will remain open for visitors for the entire day on February 23 till 6 pm. However, the following morning, for security reasons, ahead of Trump-Modi visit, the premises will be shut for visitors for a few hours till afternoon when the Prime Minister and US president leave the premises.
The Ashram authorities are yet to receive a detailed minute by minute schedule of the visit at the Ashram from the central government authorities.
“Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram will be open to visitors on February 23 till 6 pm. There are no plans to shut the premises on that day. However, on February 24 a few hours prior to the prime minister and US president’s arrival, the premises will be closed to visitors for security reasons,” says director Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust, Atul Pandya. Municipal Commisioner Vijay Nehra too said that he had confirmed with state and central authorities that the ashram premises will not be closed to visitors on February 23.