While the Government of India played down the double frisking of the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, at a New York airport over a month ago, the United States embassy here has “regret[ted] the inconvenience” to the 80-year old scientist.
The incident occurred on September 29, when Mr. Kalam boarded an Air India flight at New York's JFK Airport. He was already subjected to “private screening,” as he does not come under the category of dignitaries exempt from security screening procedures under stringent American guidelines.
However, after he entered the aircraft, U.S. security officials came and asked for his jacket and shoes, claiming that these items were not checked according to prescribed procedure during the “private screening.” With Mr. Kalam's consent, Air India staff then gave his jacket and shoes to the American officials. It is unclear whether these items were checked by any Indian security personnel before being returned to him.
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna asked Ambassador in Washington Nirupama Rao to take up the issue with the U.S. administration, which then apologised to Mr. Kalam and the Government of India “that appropriate procedures for expedited screening of dignitaries had not been followed.”
Frisking in 2009
This is not the first time the U.S. aviation security has tangled with Mr. Kalam. In 2009, he was frisked by staff of the Continental Airlines at the New Delhi airport despite the fact that he is on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's list of people exempted from security screening in India.
American dignitaries visiting India are informally extended courtesies that exempt them from security checks.
However, India has not objected to the U.S. decision to screen Mr. Kalam in the first place, but only the second request for his jacket and shoes after he boarded the aircraft.
“The MEA had immediately lodged a protest over this incident with the U.S. side,” said a statement by the Ministry, which made it clear that Mr. Kalam had been extended usual courtesies such as “escort and private screening” before he boarded the aircraft.
“The U.S. government has promptly written to former President Kalam expressing its deep regret over the incident and has assured us that it is taking corrective steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future,” said the statement.
“The two governments are also planning to hold discussions to explore appropriate mechanisms for facilitating airport procedures for dignitaries, in accordance with national regulations.”
In a statement issued on Sunday after the incident came to public attention, the U.S. embassy said an apology was hand-delivered to Mr. Kalam by Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Peter Burleigh.
“The United States Government has the utmost respect for former Indian President Abdul Kalam. We deeply regret the inconvenience that resulted for him…” said the statement.
Keywords: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, U.S. airport, security check, Kalam frisked
As an American, I can only sorrowfully say the USA federal government is an equal opportunity offender whose hubris knows no bounds. Uncle Sam's predatory instincts make Dracula pale in comparison, and his lack of sensitivity or respect for human dignity or even the truth is beyond question. I, for one, regret the path of oppressive "full spectrum dominance" the USA's government has taken. Many of us are appalled and resistant to the fascist horrors going on.
I am aware of this happening to Chinese senior officials visiting Bill Gates. He wanted to speak with Bill Gates and the security had to Google them to see who they were.
This is not about race as some of the commenter's have tried to imply. America has a system in place at airports that is not culturally sensitive. These procedures obviously have to be updated. Having said that, I am also against treating important visitors to India the same way we are accusing Americans of treating ours. We give special treatment to certain members of society because that is our culture. We should not change who we are because of incidents like these. America to some extent lost itself after 09/11 and came up with security procedures like removing shoes, jackets and belts that absolutely does not make any sense from a security stand point or otherwise.
We must also pay them in he same coin. To make them realise that what a "national honour mean to us", is to conduct a symbolic frisking for their sitting president as and when their president visit India. That is the only way left to respond and reply in a befitting manner.
The US Government should be apologizing to every single US Citizen it
has groped, photographed nude, and irradiated first!
This is highly condemnable. That too after he boarded the aircraft. What was our US Ambassador doing? Years ago I saw a foregign national behave badly when he was undergoing security check in Delhi Airport. Unfortunately, our security people just shrugged their shoulders and carried on. This will not happen to ANY Indian in any overseas country. Fundamentally we have this inferiority feeling where the white man is involved.
If it's a matter of security to a nation, then India must not extend any special exemption on security frisking & checks to any of the visiting US dignitaries including obama & his team... the govt of India must value the nations security as much as how US values it...
Instead of cursing US, let's learn from them and implement the lession on all - including US citizens including their earstwhile presidents and all other personalities. US does so purposefully, and this is understood. What India needs to do is - do the same with everybody and specially with US citizens. BUT DO WE INDIANs HAVE THE BALL??? If it were chinese US will never do that.
Maybe a question of semantics and without offering judgment on the incident, may I point out that US did not apologize for the incident, but only expressed regret. This difference may not seem important in India, but USA has expressed apology for very, very few events, and that too, several decades/centuries after the event(s).
Another own goal in international diplomacy by US! I suspect the repititive behaviour proves that the people in charge are slow to learn rather than the US, which wants to have a large slice of India's import pie, wants to wilfully offend Indian sensitivities. Indians can win points by yet again ignoring US shortcomings.
More and more we are falling into the feet of America, its quite natural such incidents will occur frequently.
Needless to say why Dr. Kalam remains as the best President India ever had and perhaps will ever have in future. Dr. Kalam as a President had inspired Indians across generations and his humility in spite of immense success and knowledge is the true reflection of Indian culture. When we raise a hue and cry over diplomatic relations, Dr. Kalam's intellectual and distinguished behavior is to say that the incident is not even worth talking about. Coming to the issue of frisking the most respected Indian and when there is no reason why ex-President are not to be considered equally respectable as the current one; I believe USA diplomacy, rather the lack of it, has hit a new low. Also as citizens of the world if it were to even remotely be possible that a respectable person like India's President would resort to terrorism than we should stop calling or identifying ourselves as Indians.
next time Hillary comes please ask her to remove her shoes and coat and do a through frisking. then follow that up with Obama when he arrives. US should be shown the way.
Why didn't Abdul Kalam take objection? Why did he not protest? Was he taken for granted? Does Abdul Kalam want to prove that he is a simple, unassuming person who does not give any respect or importance to the fact that he was the President of this country? If this is the situation, what can ordinary Indians do if they are meted out unreasonable treatment? Are we still crazy about America like Chinese and Pakistanis? Certainly not. By lodging a protest, he would have emboldened some who visit that country in the event of highhandedness on the part of the visa officers and other officials sitting at the various airports in USA. The fact is that they would grant visas and mete out royal treatment to fraudulent people and harass genuine Indians.
Indian government and Indian Airlines authorities should follow the same treatment when the American dignitaries enter to Indian airports. Then only they can understand the feelings of dignitaries under check and clearance.Mr.Abdul Kalam is a gem of INDIA, a person and so he co-operates with all the authorities. I can BROUGHT THE NOTICE TO remember that the incident happend at IRAQ for Mr Bush's to visit. we can do but we cant do it.We know the DIGNITIES,MANNERISM Because we are a INDIAN. JAI HIND.
Our national heroes are being dishonored by others and we are treating the foreign heroes with respect!! its totally unfair.. American army in chief is gonna visit india for trade sell his American eagle so, we will do d same as they did to our Hero!! :)
shame on the stupid indian government who does not have any backbone. had it been some other country the americans would have think twice before doing this..
When Obama came to India we(common man) were not allowed to roam freely in Mumbai for their convenience , and in return for our hospitality they continuously insult our high dignitaries. Now it's the time, not to compromise with the situation and take firm action to prevent future humiliation. Let's show the American's we too have backbone and we haven't lost our self respect yet.
Dr.Kalam is one of those well known dignitaries whose acclaim makes him a VVIP across the world.If a reputed person like Dr.Kalam had to face such a situation,then a normal civilian will be put to several Complications with such treatment.
I am not surprised by the response of fellow Indians as we are used to ceremony and false sense of importance. If security wants to check jacket or shoes for explosives, let them do so. Where is there any loss of dignity in that? Indians are used to such false sense of dignity in all aspects of their lives - as I experience every day. Time we realise what is important and what is not, i.e., if we really want to become a developed country/society.
True to his greatness, our ex-president Abdul Kalam has not given any importance to this issue, for he knows there is nothing wrong in this. What hurts me most is the reaction of the communist party. A party I grew up thinking will bring us out of our feudal past is the one making the most noise about such issues of dignity. Indeed I have come to realise that hierarchy and power structure is one of the key factors of the communist set-up as one observes in other countries as well - China even today and in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
My blood is boiling......when the former indian president got this type of treatments being a ordinery people like us what type of treatment we will get
Dr. Kalam reads the Holy Quran & Saint Thiruvalluvar's Thirukkural every day. He also practices what he preaches. Perhaps, when the frisking incident took place, the following two Kurals may have come to his mind :- (1) "If someone wrongs you, put up with it. But it is better still to forget it if you can." and (2) "Retaliation gives, but a day's joy. Forbearance brings glory for all time." Allah / God, in the Holy Quran is also mentioned as Al-Gaffur (All-Forgiving) & Surah Al-A'raf - 7:199 says, "Hold on to forgiveness, do what is right & turn away from what is wrong." Dr. Kalam is a very down-to-earth person & does not give thought to such incidents & abides by the rules & does not have an iota of 'ego' in him unlike most VIPs. He considers himself as the 'commonest of common persons", a rare quality which has brought him so close to the masses.
After the apology tendered by the the US,the US & India should evolved a mechanism to avoid such unpleasant situations in future
highly outrageous.
First they humiliate, then apologise. Does the apology have any
meaning? We reciprocate.
If security check for Mr. Kalam is required by US law (in their
territory and in their planes) let it happen. That is their policy;
the US need not regret on that, as our Govt. let them do that. But
if this happened due to his religion (as for some actors) or due to
his profession, what prevents our PM or the President make some strong
public statement on the issue?
Shame, Shame!
We should get what we deserve! Our earlier Lok Sabha speaker Mr Somanth Chatterjee had refused to visit USA.Why our people do not do so if they feel they are dignitary!
Frog in the well applies to Americans. To most of them. They don't know outside world,
people, culture and many more things. Many in the police and this kind of jobs are like
robots and no human values. If they treat an ex president of a country this way just imagine
the fate of regular Indians. Discrimination everywhere. Color, race everything matters in US.
We should also do the necessary checks for the visiting Americans. I am
in support of the reciprocal security checks.
If this is the situation for an EX-PRESIDENT of India, what will be for the normal civilians!!!!!!!!!
The mistake is ours! We prefer to treat foreigners (esp.the white
skinned ones) differently. US does not care for VIP's - VIP's are our
creation!
Instead of strengthening our Counter-terrorist network we are more interested in knowing, who saluted whom, and how many times. The entire Media is pointedly engaged in wasteful event. If one Medium
channel has picked up one piece, the others do not want to be left behind. Every news bit is repeated by every news channel, poor viewer has to endure every piece. The heads of the Channel has to take this Call, and the VIPs have only been Progressing infinitely.
The Americans seem to understand only the language they speak therefore we should pay them back in their own coin.
Our national heroes are being dishonored by others and we are treating
the foreign heroes with respect. It is completely an unfair action to be
taken seeing that our leader belongs to a Muslim community. We are an
emerging economy and our government also has the responsibility in
making “laws” regardless of religion and country for the security of our
nation.
Why only jacket and shoe they should have taken his trousers and socks also to ensure that he is not taking any material from NASA.In 2009, he was frisked by staff of the Continental Airlines at the New Delhi airport despite the fact that he is on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's list of people exempted from security screening in India.If this could be done in India why not in US what is the big deal.
Subtlety was never America's strong suit, but this is the kind of
behavior that makes me absolutely cringe (I am an India-born
American citizen).
Maybe the next time America's ex-Pres Clinton shows up at
New Delhi he should be frisked (Twice! No, let's do it three
times. Let's see if those responsible get the message.)
Some American political calculations are really vicious, let me
tell you. They will not stop at anything if they want to make a
point. (The point in this case, I think, is America's opposition to
our ex-Pres. Kalam's opinions about nuclear power.)
I think US has not accepted its mistake. There is difference between regret and apology. They should apologize rather than regret.
What America wants to show with these activity it is difficult to
imagine. But this is not a good sign for any civilized society...
George Fernandes was also frisked when he visited the U.S. as defense minister of India. It is more shameful than frisking of an ex-President. This is bound to recur in future because, to quote Dr.Kalam, the ex-president of India, "Indians lack the sense of retaliation"! Our politicians keep telling the stories of political corruption to the US spies (i.e. diplomats). What curtsey can US show towards such people?
No doubt Kalaam is an honourable international figure but still i strongly support americans.... after a long arguments u will surely settle down that since 9/11 there are no further attacks..
Indian government and Indian Airlines authorities should reciprocate the same treatment when American dignitaries enter Indian airports. Then only they can understand the feelings of dignitaries under check and clearance. Abdul Kalam is a gem of a person and so he co-operates with the authorities. Hats off to Kalam.
It is not astonishing, Big brother attitude of USA is not new. they still practice the apartheid in their mind! On the other hand, the incidence has exposed our politicians surrendering attitude.
This is the second time Dr. Kalam is being humiliated. It is nonsensical, the US Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Peter Burleigh has described the incident as inconvenience . Dr. Kalam is not one to object to inconvenience, but the incident is sheer insult to an ex-president. Funnier is the Hindu Report dated monday, City Edition, 14th Nov,that "India has not objected to US decision to screen Dr Kalam in the first place,.... etc." I contrast this with how NDA Govt. allowed Sonia Gandhi to contact Indian Ambassador in the US when Rahul was detained at a US Airport a few years ago.If this continues, the Indian Govt. should treat Americans the same way as Brazil treats them, having a separate que for American citizens including ex-officials. This incident would not have happened if the Indian Govt. had been tough with the US at the first incident and subjected American ex-prezs to the same treatment.
American think themselves superior and treat others with contempt. Another drawback of Americans are they fear too much, their psyche based on fear,so they are too much fearful community.So they are taking too much precaution. Muslim name is nauuseous to them from 9/11 attack Just remember how they treated Sharukh Khan, Premji.
It would never happen to Chinese dignitaries because they don't travel here outside of official functions.
Kalaam who spearheaded India's successes in the space research and missile development has allegations from the US counterparts that he has been able to replicate these after his breif visits to NASA. US should be taking out their frustration on him and India by frisking him. If it's happening in the US, it's happening organised. Not a mere accident as it might be brought out to be.
It's a shame and a matter of intolerance. Why the US doesn't pay attention to the dignitaries? that too a former President. Indian Airport authorities should also do the same thing for their officials.
First we need to understand the security and feeling of insecurity in
US. In what capacity (that makes difference) Dr. Kalam was travelling
to US is not known (Was as Former President of India or as visiting
Scientist- common visitor like anybody else)again whether he was
travelling on private passport or diplomatic passport that too makes
difference. There are hundreds of thousands of security people working
everyone can not made aware of every visitor and in special case.
Moreover, in US if anyone from Government position retires considered
as private individual with no special privileges, not only Dr. Kalam
but many of our national go through the process everyday and nobody
cares. It is grave mistake of the Indian Government and the Indian
Embassy in US who did inform the the immigration about the indentity
of Dr. Kalam as former President of India again there crores of people
poor but India is rich enough to send former Presidents and Prime
Ministers by special charted planes.
I don't think its a major issue to check Mr Abdul Kalam again when security guard had some doubt. Even we(Indian)have to learn from this that we should have that kind of security in our home country too not for common people only but for VVIP people also like PM and President of any country.Our Indian Goverment should take some important steps towards our country security level.
Ex-Presidents of USA, when they go abroad, even on private visits, get
Secret Service protection and many arrangements are made for their
visits..India has just abandoned its former President to the vagaries of
US Security check..very sad...I think they are picking on him, because
of his muslim name and also the similarity to Pakistan's nuclear
scientist of similar name, who is supposed to be helping some
nations...the tragedy is more of India's making, I guess.
This is high time the US dignitaries are also made to follow the same
procedure at Indian airports...Let them be paid back in their own
coins...may be then these _____heads would understand...
Government of India's spineless reaction is understandable. At no time has the government taken a tough stand against such unacceptable actions. All that is required is to give a similar treatment when a Bill Clinton or a George Bush visits this country as a private citizen. Why all the extraordinary security measures when they visit this country? On such occasions the government really crawls even before bending backwards. Will the US government dare to do a similar frisking to a Chinese or Russian dignitary? America knows real power does emanate from the barrel of a gun.
The only way this will stop is when a good number of current and former (senior) US officials are subjected to the same treatment. The message will sink in and the nonsense will stop.
Please don't take this to mean anything other than incompetence. It's an embarrassment to the US as well. Our bad, and hopefully this never happens again.
The past president The Honourable APJ Abdul Kalam can be proud that he came through shining, check or no check.He has done this country some thing which cannot be undone. It is not in being special and not given a check that he comes to the top but in being given a check and cleared. The Americans can be congratulated in honouring him in this way also.Cheers!
Its disappointing..in general this is the treatment for being an Asian, specifically an Indian in international airports and airlines...Sadly, even in Indian airports boarding an International flight, we will be subjected to thousands of searches after security clearance, while other Europeans or Americans are free to walk..it makes you feel like a third rated human being, beyond all your education, credibility and the values you possess! Government doesn't take a stand in all these things where they should clearly show pride as India , rather every time begging for apology letters from US!
Most unfortunate. It exhibits the arrogance and rude behavior of US. How true it is that richness and money do not enhance cultural level of a country. On the other hand Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam had shown his Cultural maturity. Now at least the MEA should send proper instructions to all the foreign Countries on the protocol to be maintained in respect of our functionaries present and retired.
US should not have to regret for what happened because They have law. And it is not India where anyone can enter like kasab,and many more.....
If your name is Abdul or Mohammed, you are automatically a threat to the security of the most powerful nation on this planet, never mind if you are 80 years old and an ex-president of the world's largest democracy. Prakash Karat is right; we should adopt the Brazilian model for American visitors.
This is not the first time indignities are showered by the US administration on Indian dignitaries. Our Government should retaliate with frisking any American landing on our soil (Mr Obama included). This will cause some diplomatic ripples but USA will realise its folly. Dr.Kalam has been singled out because of his Islamic name.
This kind of treatment by US to our great role model is not acceptable by any standards.
This is not the first time and President (ex)Kalam is not the first.. Indian politicians should have the spine and show some guts. American arrogance will continue, otherwise.
In short the Screening procedures are Stripping the dignity of human kind. The Indian News media projects this as if only US is doing this. Indian Airports are no exception. They also screen everybody asking them to remove their jackets -even in domestic flights- it is far worse. Hell with American fear of terrorists. The fear has created world chaos in every aspect of life from financial markets to Governments. India has along tradition of faith - but the current Indian Government long back started following US path - we are trained by foreign Governments to treat every other person as a terrorist. Its a shame on human kind.
Dr. Kalam by his silence has shown his class. It is about time, the Government of India has an MOU with foreign governments on these issues so that we are not insulted even inadvertently.
How can the smartest govt int he world make the same mistake twice? Trust Indian govt to play down the incident - the wimps.
The Americans can only understand the
language of force. I have experienced the American behaviour many times especially when it comes to Indians. The Chinese are a better lot, very cultured and understand the meaning of human dignity. India should be wary of the Americans; Unless America is run by Indians or Chinese.
It is a shame on all Indians to have their respected leaders like Kalam being humiliated by Foreign countries. All leaders of India at least Prime Ministers and Presidents should have VIP consideration when they visit foreign countries. If the case is like this with Kalam, the most respected scientist president of India, what would be the case of other persons including leaders having muslim names.
It is rather bizarre how these kinds of slipups can happen. The security at the U. S. airports would certainly have information about the identity of the VIPs. Even in case knowledge sources are weak, information would have trickled out at the time of the first frisking itself before boarding. To subject Kalam to a second frisking after boarding is ridiculous. Expressing regret is a stupid formality and does not wash away the insult. One is even more agonised that this has happened to Kalam for the second time. When one looks at the matter closely one cannot escape feeling that Kalam had been subjected to such an ordeal because of his muslim identity. In their obsessively over-anxiety to guard against criminal elements U. S. security seem to target all passengers with muslim names. This is highly irrational. Persons with criminal intents are sure to adapt all means to cloak their identities and just focussing on muslim names in security over-guard is foolish.
First of all, I don't expect THE HINDU to write a column saying Mr. Kalam. He should be addressed Dr. Kalam. Second of all, if Manmmohan Singh deserve special previleges, so does Dr. Kalam. There should not be any double standard on this. US should know who is important in each country and act accordingly. Indian Government should do its job and not waffle.
I am afraid people in the name of political correctness may justify the way the former president was subjected to. Also one might argue that unknown to the president someone or other might have planted an explosive in the person or the jacket of the president. Pertinent point is there is no absolute guarantee that any of the security personnel may not use his weapons to cause terrorism. Hence one can only go so far and no further. In the end one has to leave a certain margin for error and take a chance. If we can trust the security personnel 100 per cent then we should trust the president instead of subjecting him to searches in the name of equality or even in the name of protecting the very same president. Would any western nation subject a dignitary from Russia, China or any other west European country the same way Indian president was subjected to ?
Security is a very important issue after 9/11 not only to US but all countries. We do not know when,how and where the terorrista will strike. hence instead of making all noises let all countries agree to all irrespective of the official position one holds. This will solve the misunderstanding and reduce the grist to the grind mill of the media.
Nothing happens just like that in the US. It must have been done under
instructions. Even the apology given talks only of inconvenience to him
, not the indignity to him and his position.
Dr Abdul Kalam is not an unimportant person to the US. They now clearly that he is a VIP in India and frisking him will hurt India. But they want to prove that they are suoreme and none above them. It would have been better if a person of the Stature of Dr Abdul Kalam does not Visit the US especially when he was frisked once even if he was invited by some organisations in US.
Since it is Mr Kalam who carries a humility with him this matter is
taken lightly. I have found a number of our junior and middle level
staff in Government behaving differently when they come for functions.
Let them all learn to behave all follow the rules of law
For Great like Kalam Bhai this does not unduly affect. Let us forget and forgive to keep our Indian tradition high!
It is unfortunate that Sri Kalam was subjected to humiliating security checks. This only goes to show the intelligence of a normal American person working in security. Their knowledge is limited. Nowadays they are even more afraid of committing an error and get blamed later on than before. This humiliation happened to Ms.Nirupama earlier. What did the Indian Government do to prevent such errors on the part of American security at airports excpt voice protest? There is no reason to believe that such incidents will not happen in future.
Has been insulted twice, the EX-PRESIDENT of INDIA. I understand that
in both the cases, our ex-President has taken it lightly. So, such kind
of instances will continue. Dr.Abdul Kalam should first realize that
though he is like any other passenger in the aircraft, while in a
foreign country he is not just like any other person. He is the ex-
President of India. It hurts his countrymen, when incidents like these
are reported. He should avoid visiting U.S. in future or until an
apology is tendered to the Indian President from the U.S.President.
If the Indian government cannot make a huge diplomatic incident out of this then it needs to hang its head in shame.
Why was George Bush not frisked and ARRESTED for war crimes when he visited India recently?
The Indian people paid mega bucks to listen to this loser of a president. Shame on the Indian politicians and corporates.
In 2002 while in Sao Paulo airport, I noticed a separate queue for US nationals. Brazil had
decided to reciprocate the US government's decision to finger print all arriving passengers.
These US visitors had to then join the queue that was by then already many metres long!
Perhaps the Indian government should follow suit.....
Now I know why muslims all over the world are against the Americans.When they can show disrespect to the country's ex president,who is respected by every citizen in India, just imagine the plight of others.
..US administration, which then apologised to Mr. Kalam and the
Government of India “that appropriate procedures for expedited
screening of dignitaries had not been followed.”
What a joke! The US authorities have, in fact, followed humiliating
screening process for Dr. Kalam knowing fully well his status. The
attitude of the authorities is not only arrogant but utterly foolish.
Why don't they punish the person responsible for this action? Their
letter does not say "sorry" for whatever they did. It's a routine
letter which signifies nothing. The Indian government cannot allow
this incident to "pass" As an Indian, I feel very much humiliated that my president got this kind of treatment. If Indian govt. has any self respect left
for the countrymen then it should persue this matter until president
Obama himself feels sorry for this incidence and takes action. I
DEMAND FROM GOVT TO STOP EXTENDEDING INFORMAL COURTESIES TO US
DIGNITARIES.
Educate your kids about American attitude. They are the next generation and let them not be in awe of America as India is no less in culture. Gandhi said 'change
starts from within'. Lets create the change
This is indeed quite outrageous.
When it happens time and again, don't we presume that it is racial profiling particularly linked to a religion?
None of the muslim names can escape from this humiliation.
George bush was on a private visit to Mumbai recently. it was kept on a secret list. it meant, he would have been whisked away from the tarmac even without going through customs and immigration.
What is applicable to an Ex president of USA applies to even the president of a banana republic?
Shame on Obama administration. Imagine if Mr Obama was frisked when he arrived in
Delhi or Mrs Clinton was subjected to the same treatment?
I am glad it was our gracious President who would have said Marappom, Mannippom and
moved on.
Frankly let's make this completely reciprocal, frisk all American nationals in India twice irrespective of their so-called diplomatic status. Right from their Presidents visiting India to their junior intelligence agents masquerading as consular officials.
Shame ! Shame ! Shame ! We should treat American VIPs just like that way.
As is the case, the Indian Govt. is always retroactive and comes up with the staid explanation that a protest has been immediately lodged. Does an apology erase the gross indignity to a persoon who was the President of a country? It would be interesting to know what the Govt"s reaction if such an act had been perpetrated on Mme.Gandhi or her family members. Disgusting indeed
For how long will India continue to be treated as a 'banana republic'?
Why don't we give it back in the same coin?
President Bush was in India a couple of weeks back. Was he subjected to the same 'frisking' as Dr Kalam?
I feel the American government is not able to handle its power. I think it has taken its anti terrorism campaign too seriously. If they take a history lesson they will find that India has never been involved nor promoted nor waged any war against any country (just on the hints that too). Presenting such a uncourteous behavior, they only present their insecurity and fear which can only be brought by lack of confidence in their own security system. This is second time. And its evident that US is showing its arrogant behavior once again. I am unsure of seeing a mature US in my lifetime. But as history shows every wrong deed brings its own fate.
One need not fret too much about this incident.Washington has been adamant about frisking Indian dignitaries,its time we returned that favour when we have them over.
The incident shows the scant respect the American authorities give to our dignitaries when they travel in America. India should also pay back the American dignitaries and their officials same coin and subject to all the possible security checks in the world.
India should feel that we have also self respect and diginity.
The TSA agents at the US airports don't care about third-world diplomats or even ambassadors. This as happened before with President Kalaam and Meera Shankar. They know very well that there will be absolutely no repercussions. The "rulebook" is designed very well to allow TSA agents any exceptions since they report only to Department of Homeland Security and not to the Department of State.
It's so weak of India to simply "protest" and "complain". Would this happen to a western diplomat or dignitary? Would this ever happen to a Chinese official?
India should perhaps briefly recall our ambassador and perhaps respond in kind to US diplomats visiting India.
hit back is the only reply
There seems to be a pattern of disregard here happening repeatedly. I think the Indians should do the same to every American official coming there for greater cooperation and
business!
Where is our govt.. Don't they have any backbone...?
Shame on Indian Government and the US Government. True to himself, Mr.Kalam maintained absolute silence on this 'unimportant' matter. What is the 'sensational' Indian News media doing for the past 6 to 7 weeks? Had this happened to Rahul or Sonia or any of their 'chamchas', then its worth to wasting everybody's time. Oh come on there is no double standard or political hypocrisy exists in India?
I fully endorse Mr Karat's reaction to this type of indecent and insulting
behavior with our most respected dignitories. Indian govt should take up with Mr Barak Obama very strongly
We Indian adore the Westerners as next to God(ie. pre 1947 mentality) while the white men do not extend at least minimum courtesy to oue former Presedents etc.What is the use of every time repeating the same mistake and expressing regret. We should do the same thing to Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton and then only such silly acts will disappear.
This is regular practice by U.S. We also do the same on U.S.Guests.
The US should should know minimum courtesies. Utterly callous people seem to be manning the security checks. We should not take this lying down. If India is afraid that millions of Indian in US and other vistors will be harrassed, I am sure every patriotic Indian will bear with some unwarrented harassment. I agree with Karat.
This is not a reaction in anger but somebody has to stand up
This is shameful for whole INDIA as this attempt makes obnoxious to the dignity of the former president.....
If he feels intimidated by special screening, I think first he should
object to the screening, and second, not make the trip. He has a long
and ongoing history with India's nuclear facilities and that will
certainly put on the alert list of US entry procedures. This is to be
expected. US-DHS is just following the rules so they can keep their
country safe and open for both the residents and visitors.
The incident has shocked the people of India. The us government has apologized for the
Incident as well. Between friendly countries, normally such incidents should not take place.
According to this news, and the news which has appeared earlier, senior diplomats and
Known personalities had faced such situations in USA. A famous Indian actor even
announced, that he will not go to America in future. Such situations can be avoided and
SHOULD BE AVOIDED for maintaining good relations between countries.
The US government has been behaving this way every time and their
apology means nothing. They work as robot. India should take a stand and reciprocate the same way, right from traffic offences by diplomats to intense security system of their high dignitaries. We should not only retaliate but get a blanket sanction in writing for future. Their rude behaviour and a sense of pride should be returned back in the same way. They have all the cheek to talk about developed countries while they are still in the primitive stone age. Today they are living because of India's brain drain or else they will be another developing country. At any US Federal office in the US, a top diplomat is treated same with a homeless for security scanning. All their top states are filled with drug-addicted homeless who make street and environment filthy. When they cannot control their own homeless, what can you expect from them
it's a shameful action by usa authority
The US has to take proactive steps to make sure that such incidents do not take place. Even the MEA's complacent attitude is evident from repetition of such incidents. It is the MEA failure to make strong impact on the US during Meera shankar's case. that resulted in this incident. Mr. Kalam was our president an eminent personality and this incident to him is really a great embarrassment to every Indian.
This is not national pride ... it is stupid ego. Mr Kalam is a strong personality to highlight the matter if he was so offended, but as a gentleman and understanding the context in which this is done he was not at all offended...We Indians need to take ourselves a bit less seriously....
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