Taj Mahal Reopens after riots

by ryan | August 30, 2007 at 09:26 am

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Police imposed a curfew in the area of the Taj Mahal after riots sparked by a car accident Wednesday which killed four Muslim worshippers threatened to spiral into mayhem. The curfew was removed in certain areas today.

The Taj Mahal, India's famous monument to love, has re-opened even as curfew imposed in parts of northern Agra city following Wednesday's riots continues.

Officials say curfew has been relaxed in the area around the monument and a few tourists have visited it.

The violence started after a lorry crushed to death four Muslim men participating in a religious festival.

One man was killed and at least 50 policemen injured in the clashes. Dozens of vehicles were set on fire.

"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 was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.

Perhaps the accident was perceived as a religious affront to Mulisms which caused the subsequent rioting.