Italy apologises to Jeev Milkha's coach;end to Turban row?

New Delhi, Mar 23: When the Indian Parliament was disrupted over the insult meted out to famous Golfer Jeev Milkha's coach, Italian government expressed their regret and tabled their apology today (Wednesday, Mar 23).

The coach Amritinder Singh was accompanying Milkha for the Sicillian Open starting from tomorrow (Thursday, Mar 24). Amritinder, while boarding a flight from Milan Airport in the country, was asked to remove his turban for the security purpose.

Disappointed Amritinder yesterday chided, "I told the security official -- who incidentally was the same one who had made me remove my turban last week and put it in a shoe tray -- that the European Union rules say that I cannot be asked to remove my turban but it can be patted down. However, he (security-man) said that he could not follow the rule as he needed to see what was inside."

The coach also added, "I showed him the letter of apology that I received from the Italian Golf Federation and told him that what happened last time was wrong, but he said there was nothing he could do about it."

However, today, during the Parliamentary session, External Affair Minister SM Krishna said, "I take note of serious issue raised by members. I will take take this with Indian Ambassador to Australia. Turban is symbol of Indian culture and we have great respect for this."

Mr Krishna also said, "The religious sentiments of Indians need to be respected. The Indian envoy has been told to take up the matter seriously with the Italian government."

Citing the grievousness of the matter, the Italian envoy in India, Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte was summoned today. The envoy also claimed, "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."

OneIndia News