NEW DELHI: Outraged that his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh's coach was asked to remove his turban during a security check at the Milan airport, legendary runner Milkha Singh on Wednesday said the incident was an insult to the Sikh community and smacked of racism.
"It is an insult to Sikh community and we should take it seriously. It is a matter of great concern. The entire Sikh community is outraged over the racial profiling. It should not have happened," Milkha fumed.
"This is the second incident when my son had gone to play there (Italy). Even though Amritinder Singh (coach) repeatedly told them that it is against Sikhism they did not listen to him. Everyone across the world knows what Sikhism is.
"I will talk to the Prime Minister in this regard. I would also take up the matter with Sonia Gandhi as she belongs to that country. It is a high time that we should take the matter seriously or otherwise there will be more such incidents in the future," he added.
Amritinder, who was accompanying Jeev for three tournaments on the European Tour, was told that he should either remove the turban or not board the flight with several people at the airport watching the scene.
Jeev protested by telling the airport security officials that it was nothing but harassment but to no avail.
"It is an insult to Sikh community and we should take it seriously. It is a matter of great concern. The entire Sikh community is outraged over the racial profiling. It should not have happened," Milkha fumed.
"This is the second incident when my son had gone to play there (Italy). Even though Amritinder Singh (coach) repeatedly told them that it is against Sikhism they did not listen to him. Everyone across the world knows what Sikhism is.
"I will talk to the Prime Minister in this regard. I would also take up the matter with Sonia Gandhi as she belongs to that country. It is a high time that we should take the matter seriously or otherwise there will be more such incidents in the future," he added.
Amritinder, who was accompanying Jeev for three tournaments on the European Tour, was told that he should either remove the turban or not board the flight with several people at the airport watching the scene.
Jeev protested by telling the airport security officials that it was nothing but harassment but to no avail.
with thanks : times of India : link above for detailed news