Agra: Now people entering Taj Mahal will have to carry their ID cards in order to offer Juma Prayers according to the new ordinance by the District Administration ensuring the security of world Heritage Taj Mahal.
From now only locals of Agra with valid identity proofs will be permitted to offer their Juma Prayers on Fridays in Taj Mahal while it shall remain closed for Tourists on Friday’s.
The District administration’s move comes after the Department learned many no-locals, “outsiders”, including Bangladeshi and non-Indians” are entering the premises on the pretext of offering Friday Namaz.
The order issued by Additional District Magistrate KP Singh states that allowing entry to outsiders could have its adverse effects on the monument’s security, making it mandatory to inform the District magistrate if any outsider violates the order and tries to enter the mosque.
Agra district magistrate Guarav Dayal said, “Now, we will allow only residents of Agra city to offer namaz at the mosque located inside the Taj Mahal complex.”
The Archeological Department of India issued a similar order in 2013 but was implemented properly said an Official, TOI reported.