Turban row: India plans to move UNSC resolution

India has decided to move a resolution at the UN General Assembly stating that the turban was a symbol of Indian religious sentiments and has to be respected by all.

India has decided to move a resolution at the UN General Assembly stating that the turban was a symbol of Indian religious sentiments and has to be respected by all.

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"We attach highest level of importance to the series of incidents where disrespect has been shown to turban, which is a symbol of our religious sentiment that has to be respected,” a government official said.

With its present clout in the world body where it is a non-permanent member, New Delhi hopes to get the resolution passed soon. "The kind of acceptability India enjoys among the member states, we are hopeful that the resolution will be passed,” he explained.

The move comes after top Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh’s coach Amritinder Singh was on Tuesday forced to remove his turban by security officials for the second time at the same Milan airport where he had to endure a painful ordeal last week. Amritinder was rudely told on March 15 by Milan airport security officials that he could either remove the turban or not board the flight.

Indian envoy in Italy has been directed to take up the issue with the Italian authorities.

“I highly condemn the behaviour of the airport authority personnel at Milan airport. The religious sentiments of Indians need to be respected,” foreign minister SM Krishna said.

India had lodged a strong protest with the US after its UN envoy Hardeep Puri was asked to remove his turban at Houston Airport last November. (with PTI inputs)