Muslims cite history, past practice and law as police tighten security amid political pressure from Hindu groups
NEW DELHI — Tension prevailed in the historic city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday as several Hindu organisations protested against the annual three-day Urs held in memory of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan at the Taj Mahal. These groups called the event that began on Thursday a “religious war.”
The protesters gathered outside the office of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), raised slogans, burned an effigy and demanded an immediate banning of the event.
Hindu groups repeated the claim that the Taj Mahal is not a Mughal monument but a Shiva temple, which they refer to as “Tejo Mahalaya”. They argued that allowing the Urs amounts to hurting Hindu faith.
A protest leader said, “The Taj Mahal is Tejo Mahalaya. We will not allow any Urs here.” Another protester warned, “We will perform Shiva Tandava and take back what is ours. The government must stop this immediately.”
The protesters also claimed that a case linked to the Taj Mahal is still pending in court and said any religious event inside the monument breaks the judicial process. They submitted a memorandum to the ASI and appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to step in.
Muslim groups and historians strongly rejected these claims and said the protest is an attack on history, law and the religious rights of Indian Muslims.
A local Muslim elder said, “Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, and his grave is inside it. The Urs has been held here for years with official permission. Calling it a war is an open threat to peace.”
Another resident of Agra said, “This is part of a pattern where Muslim religious practices are questioned again and again. The law allows the Urs, and it should be respected.”
Officials confirmed that security has been increased around the Taj Mahal complex and the ASI office. Police said the situation is under watch and no disruption will be allowed.
An administration officer said, “Adequate security arrangements are in place. The Urs is a permitted event, and law and order will be maintained.”
The Urs marks the death anniversary of Shah Jahan and has been observed annually. Last year, similar protests were staged by Hindu Mahasabha members, yet the Urs went ahead peacefully for three days.
Muslim leaders say repeated objections aim to create fear and put pressure on authorities to stop lawful religious practices. A community representative said, “Indian Muslims are not asking for anything new. We are only asking that history, the Constitution and the rule of law be honoured.”
