India summons Italian envoy over turban issue

New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) India Wednesday summoned the
Italian Ambassador here and lodged a strong protest against
leading golfer Jeev Milkha Singh's coach being asked to take
off his turban during security check at Milan airport.
The envoy Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte said the
matter was being investigated to ascertain facts and
responsibilities.
The Italian envoy met Vivek Katju, Secretary (West) in
the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, during which India
registered the protest, saying religious sentiments of Indians
need to be respected.
"The matter is very disturbing. Already been brought
to the highest level in Rome and Milano. Investigation is on
to ascertain facts and responsibilities. To this, personally I
add my deep regrets," the Italian Ambassador told reporters
after meeting Katju.
The envoy was called to the South Block, a day after
Jeev Milkha Singh's coach Amritinder Singh was asked to take
off his turban while undergoing a security check at the Milan
airport, the second time in the last one week.
Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has
already condemned the behavior of airport personnel at Milan,
saying religious sentiments of Indians need to be respected.