【2003 Archives】

In an unfortunate turn of events003 Archives a bunch of students on an educational trip to India's Taj Mahal were denied entry by security officials.

The students, who hailed from the northeastern state of Manipur, have alleged racial discrimination and lodged a complaint with the Archaeological Survey of India, The Indian Expressreported.

The group was reportedly asked by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, who are responsible for the security of the monument, to show their government identity cards because they resembled "foreigners".

The officials reckoned that they were attempting to pass off as Indians in order to avoid paying the higher ticket price.

The Taj Mahal is among India's most iconic monuments and it charges foreigners Rs 1,000 ($14.68) for an entry ticket. Indians, on the other hand, have to pay only Rs 40 (58 cents) to enter.

The students, who belonged to Manipur's Central Agricultural University, were later allowed inside after the local police intervened. Citizens of some of the northeastern states of India, which border China, have for long been victims of racial discrimination because of their ethnicity and looks, which differ from those hailing from the mainland.

An ASI official also confirmed that an inquiry had been ordered into the matter and that security staff had been asked to provide CCTV footage of the main gates of the Taj.

Hopefully, quick action will be taken!

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