AGRA: A controversy has erupted after the Central Industrial Security Force ( CISF ) and Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) officials asked contestants from several countries for a super model crown who were visiting the Taj Mahal to remove scarves bearing Hindu religious symbols and words like ‘Jai Shri Ram’.Right-wing organisations Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM) and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), getting wind of the incident, said it has hurt the sentiments of Hindus and have launched high-decibel protests in Agra.In their defence, ASI and CISF officials said they acted only according to rules and an unnecessary controversy was being created. This came even as members of HJM on Thursday staged a protest at the ASI office located at Mall Road in Agra.A group of 34 models from as many countries, who are in India to participate in the Supermodel International Contest being held in Delhi from April 12-22, had visited the Taj Mahal with some of them covering their heads with saffron scarves to protect themselves from the heat. When they were about to enter the monument, CISF personnel posted at the gate reportedly asked them to remove the scarves first.ASI superintending archaeologist Bhuvan Vikrama said, "I have written to the CISF asking them to explain what transpired there during the visit. Whatever we know so far is through the media only. The models were quite happy with the visit. There was no complaint, but now after some organizations have taken offence at the alleged act, we have sought to know the details."The senior ASI official said that under section 8 (d) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, tourists are generally stopped from carrying such objects although there is no specific guideline.Brij Bhushan, commandant, CISF, said, "ASI through an order has stated that all sorts of religious symbols are banned from being taken inside a protected monument. Such scarves are among them. Our intention is not to hurt anyone's religious sentiments, but to maintain peace and harmony." He added that the models were also carrying flags of their countries and items promoting products and brands, which also they were not allowed to carry inside.Shivendu Dixit, director the event management company which organized the group's visit to the Taj, said, "There was no issue at all. The models were travelling from Mathura and to avoid the heat some of them had bought scarves from there. Some might have religious faith also. Actually, it was the guide who first told the models to remove the scarves and it was reiterated by security officials."Hindu organizations here are in no mood to let go of the incident. Sunil Sharma, city coordinator (enrollment cell), BJYM, said, "Our intention is not to stoke religious sentiments, but we will enter the Taj wearing saffron attire and scarves on Saturday. We will see how they stop us. This is our government. Officials cannot hurt people's sentiments."Avinash Rana, general secretary, HJM (Agra), said, "In past also such incidents had happened, but now we will not tolerate this. It is shameful that ASI and CISF officials behaved in this irresponsible manner. Why don’t they stop people wearing skull caps from entering?"