Are we frisking for an issue here?

This hasn’t happened for the first time. Nor probably would it be the last. Indian politicians, diplomats, actors – all of them have been through it. Some made big noise about it, in most cases media did. But after the initial brouhaha the issue is forgotten till a similar incident arises again. Frisking of individuals as a part of security routine at the US airports is normal for commoners. However, if an Indian diplomat is singled out for wearing a ‘saree’ or a turban it certainly becomes news. Mainly so because of the protocols expected to be followed by the countries and the breach of it.

In present context, pat down of diplomat Meera Shankar at the Jackson-Evers International Airport and Hardeep Singh Puri at Houston airport especially because of their attire enraged the Foreign Affairs department of India which reacted by giving interviews to private television channels and also expressed its concern to the American government. The Homeland Security apparently had an explanation to offer and the Hillary Clinton and President Obama’s offices did regret the incidents and hopefully "such events won’t occur in future." This issue has several angles to it. Following the basic security procedure is applicable to one and all. Be it a Shahrukh Khan, a George Fernandes or none other than the former President A P J Abdul Kalam. Now how each one of them reacted to the incident is a different story.

Hardeep Singh Puri and A P J Abdul Kalam, both were okay with following the security procedure like any average traveler would and this simply sets them apart as well as gives an insight into their personality.

From the point of view of the US Transportation Security Administration, post 9/11 it is quite understandable that the officials go by the rulebook. Given the equal terrorism threat faced by India post 26/11, India needs to take a leaf or two from the US.

It is surprising that such stories don’t emanate the other way around. Does it mean that our security procedures are not followed to the ‘T’ or that we still are colonized in our thinking when it comes to treating the westerners. No country can afford any laxity when it comes to such a crucial issue. And if the officials at the airport are doing their job, they should be allowed to do so. Every country has a right to do what is best for its people and if that means taking 25 minutes to find out from the supervisor the procedural updates of searching a turbaned diplomat, so be it.

- Editor