India raise concern over diplomat’s turban check at U.S. airport
By SiliconIndia
| Wednesday, 15 December 2010, 15:58 Hrs |
Houston: Indian foreign ministry raised concern over the recent security search in a U.S. airport were Hardeep Puri, India’s UN envoy was detained in a holding room for a turban check, reports BBC News.
Hardeep Puri, was reportedly asked to remove his turban at an airport in Houston, Texas, two weeks ago which he denied and was later detained. The incident follows India’s U.S. ambassador Meera Shanker being searched at an airport earlier this month. Foreign Minister SM Krishna told that they have taken it up with the US authorities and the Puri’s matter is at that stage. According to the Sikh tradition, a turban symbolises self-respect, honour, and piety. Touching of the head dress in public is not allowed.
Normally the turban is only removed in the most personal of circumstances, when washing the face or hair. The hands-on search on Maya Shankar at the airport in Mississippi, even after her diplomatic status revealed, raised uproar in India. US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said at the time the search had been “appropriate”. But US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern about the incident after India’s external affairs ministry called it unacceptable.
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