Sikhs protests turban screening of Sikhs at US airports

New Delhi, Sept 16 (UNI) A large number of Sikhs today protested, at the Jantar Mantar here, the US government decision to screen turbans at airports in the United States.

The demonstrators, under the National Akali Dal (NAD) banner, also burnt the effigy of US President George W Bush and shouted slogans against the ''anti-Sikh'' move which they said had hurt the sentiments of the community all over the globe.

NAD chief Paramjit Singh said the 'pagri' was sacred to the Sikhs and any infringement upon the religious symbols was tantamount to sacrilege.

''This will not be tolerated. We have also asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the matter with President Bush as it concerned our beliefs.'' Stressing that he was all for security concerns of the US authorities, Mr Singh said taking off the turban for checking or screening was an insult and the community would protests the move tooth and nail.

The protestors later marched towards the US embassy, but were stopped metres away from Jantar Mantar. NAD office-bearers also submitted a memorandum to this effect at the US embassy lodging their protest against the US government move.

UNI