Union culture and tourism minister Mahesh Sharma, advised foreign women tourists should not wear skirts and other “short” dresses at night in Agra and avoid moving alone at night "for their own safety".

Mr. Sharma said in Agra, that, “for their safety foreign women tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts. Indian culture is different from the western (culture).”

The minister clarified that he was not calling western culture bad but only pointing out the differences between the two cultures.

However, the minister, later said that, "We have not given any specific instructions regarding what they should wear or not wear. We are asking them to take precaution while going out at night. We are not trying to change anyone's preference."

The tourists should be aware of the sensitivities associated with temple towns like Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan, he said.

Mr. Sharma also suggested that foreign tourists take snapshots of cabs and autos they use so that it could be used in case of any unfortunate events.

In the last year, Sharma had stoked a controversy by saying night out for girls was against India's culture. "Girls wanting a night out may be all right elsewhere, but it is not part of Indian culture," he had said.

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Nandini