Taj Mahal Monument Reopens After Riot
Contributor August 31st, 2007
Taj Mahal Monument reopens – The Taj Mahal Monument has reopened to tourists after a curfew was lifted following riots that left one person dead and dozens injured in the northern city of Agra.
Thousands of visitors usually flock to the riverside the Taj, but only a few braved the tense Agra streets after the monument opened as usual just after dawn.
“The Taj Mahal has been open for the past three hours, but only three buses and four private tourist cars have arrived at the car park,” gate official Raj Kumar said.
The fighting began yesterday over four young Muslims who were crushed under a truck. Angry Muslims spilled out into the streets, throwing rocks and bottles at police
One person was killed, 50 more injured and a dozen car were set on fire. Authorities issued an advisory telling tourists to remain in their hotels until order was restored.
Nearly three million domestic and foreign tourists visit the Taj Mahal annually. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the monument in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631.