Reuters AlertNet Lite - India's Taj Mahal city peaceful, curfew continues

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India's Taj Mahal city peaceful, curfew continues

30 Aug 2007 04:49:53 GMT
Source: Reuters

LUCKNOW, India, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Parts of India's Taj Mahal city of Agra remained under curfew as a precaution on Thursday, a day after Muslim residents burned trucks and rioted, but the 17th century monument to love was open, police said.

The Taj Mahal was briefly closed on Wednesday after Muslim residents of the city battled police and rioted to protest against the deaths of four community members hit by a truck.

One person was killed by a stray police bullet and nine seriously injured in the violence sparked by the deaths of the four men returning from an annual religious event when Muslims pray for the dead.

"We have decided to continue the curfew in six police station areas even though the situation is well under control," said Brij Lal, a top state police officer. "The Taj Mahal would, however, remain open."

The decision to allow tourists to the mausoleum of Mughal queen Mumtaz Mahal was taken late on Wednesday to help a large number of visitors who were already in the northern Indian city before the rioting began, he said.

The local administration would review the situation later on Thursday and consider lifting curfew in some areas, another top state official said, adding that 30 people had been arrested in connection with the rioting.

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 1648 and attracts around 20,000 visitors every day.

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Last updated:Thu Aug 30 04:49:30 2007