Lucknow: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) decided to ban namaz at the mosque on Taj Mahal premises on all days except Friday.
The ASI official claimed it was implementing the Supreme Court’s July order. The apex court upheld the local administration’s order that barred non-residents from offering prayers on Fridays on security grounds.
However, the Taj Mahal Intezamia Committee criticised the closure of ‘ Vazu tank’ where worshipers performed ablutions.
Both the imam and the staff of the mosque were directed to come only on Fridays.
Syed Ibrahim Hussain Zaidi, the president of Taj Mahal Intezamia Committee, dubbed the move “anti-Muslim”.
However, Vasant Swaranakar, ASI superintending archaeologist for Agra circle said, “ This was done as per the orders of the Supreme Court. Namaz can only be offered on Fridays and that too by residents of Agra only”.