Golf coach insulted again, India talks tough

Agencies

New Delhi, 24 March 2011: Minister of External Affairs SM Krishna has expressed regret over the treatment meted out to Golfer Jeev Milkha Singh’s coach Amritinder Singh at Milan airport for the second consecutive time.

 

Singh was asked to remove his turban for the second time at the Milan airport while undergoing a security check on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said the matter would be taken up with the Italian government and appeal for sensitivity to religious sentiments.

 

He also added, "I take note of serious issue raised by members. I will take take this with Indian Ambassador to Australia. Turban is symbol of Indian culture and we have great respect for this."

 

MEA sources say the case doesn’t appear to be one of profiling as a large number of Sikhs regularly go through Milan airport without any problems.

 

Sources said that the intrusive checking may have been ordered as Milan airport doesn’t have advance screening devices. MEA sources also said Singh’s version of events was not entirely correct.

 

Krishna has strongly condemned the behaviour of the airport authority personnel at the Milan airport.