Sikhs cry foul over being singled out

Chandigarh: If turban-less Sikhs looking into the camera for a picture on the identity documents in France was not shocking enough for the community, the news of India's permanent envoy to UN, Hardeep Puri being asked to remove his turban, has now provoked them to question not just the increased screening guidelines, but also their own government's stand on the issue as they keep on getting humiliated at airports.
"Alarmingly, contrary to the general impression that Sikhs are racially profiled in only the English speaking world, I was asked to remove my turban at Dubai's international airport two years ago," recalled Kulbir Singh Brar, a Chandigarh-based businessman, who frequently travels abroad.
The businessman had his share of problems while travelling to US too, infact, it started right at the time of seeking visa in India itself. "The guards won't let you enter wearing your 'karra' (metal bracelet, which is part of 5 Ks) or the broad metal needle which Sikhs use, to tuck in their hair in their turbans. If you insist on carrying them saying these are religious requirements, they ask you to leave the premises,'' Brar revealed.
International NGO, United Sikhs' Indian director Gurpreet Singh, who led the protests against French turban ban during Sarkozy's visit to India, said it is the failure of the Indian government to address the issue.
15/12/10 Ramaninder K Bhatia/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Dec 2010, Foreign Dec 2010