Government

Indian Officials Angry After TSA Detains Diplomat for Refusing to Allow Pat Down of His Turban

The Indian government has filed an official complaint with the U.S. after reports surfaced that another of its diplomats was recently subjected to additional TSA screening — this time because of his turban. And recent comments by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding one of those incidents actually seem to suggest an openness to rethinking diplomatic screening procedures.

It was reported last week that Meera Shankar, Indian Ambassador to the U.S., was given a new enhanced pat down at the Jackson, Mississippi airport in November* because of her baggy sari. Monday it was reported that around the same time, UN envoy Hardeep Puri was detained for more than 30 minutes at the Houston, TX airport after refusing to remove his turban for screening.

“They told me ‘We have new procedures that involve extra screening.’ I went through the scanner…they took me to separate holding area…the security officer said he wants to pat down my turban…I refused…they came back after 20 to 30 minutes and apologized,” Puri told NDTV.

“We have taken it up with the U.S. authorities and the matter is at that stage,” Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna said of the most recent incident, the Daily Mail reports.

The complaints seem to center around the fact that Neither Shankar nor Puri reportedly received special treatment at the airports, and were screened in accordance with TSA procedures regarding baggy clothing and headware.

“After a review of this passenger’s screening experience, we determined that the TSA officers in Jackson followed proper standard procedure,” agency spokesman Nicholas Kimball said in a statement to AOL News regarding Shankar’s incident.

That was confirmed by State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley last Thursday: “The fact that you’re a diplomat does not necessarily mean that you are not subject to basic screening as is any other passenger on any particular flight.”

Yet that seems in slight contradiction to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who may have left the door open for reconsideration of diplomatic screening procedures.

According to AOL, Clinton said she was “concerned” regarding Shankar’s screening, and NDTV reported she went as far as to say she’s looking to prevent such a TSA-approved screening in the future: “We will be looking into it and trying to determine both what happened and what we could do to prevent such incidents in the future.”

The latest incident, coupled with the earlier one, has sparked outrage in India from former diplomats. Those officials, the Daily Mail reports, say the two countries need to meet and resolve the incidents immediately, and are threatening similar procedures will be implemented there if the U.S. does not change its policy regarding diplomats and searches.

Clinton’s statements seem to make that a possibility.

Turbans for Indian Sikh men are considered a personal article an area, and can only be removed in public for the most dire of circumstances. It is even prohibited for someone to touch another man’s turban.

But private or not, TSA procedures say that wearing baggy clothing, which would include saris and turbans, are grounds for additional screening, meaning both diplomats were “singled out” in accordance with policy. Important to note, however, is that policy does “accommodate” religious headware:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today adjusted its security procedures for headwear and is now including the screening procedures for headwear within the overall category of bulky clothing and not calling it out as a separate category.

Removal of all headwear is recommended but the rules accommodate those with religious, medical, or other reasons for whom removing items is not comfortable. Transportation security officers have several options for screening passengers who choose not to remove bulky clothing, including headwear.

These options include:

  • Trace portals (where available)
  • Trace detection
  • Pat downs

Private screening will be offered at several different stages of the screening process.

In November,  CAIR, the Islamic rights group, encouraged Muslim women selected for wearing their headscarfs, called hijabs, to try and exploit a loophole which allows them to pat down their own clothing and then have their hands screened and tested. It’s unclear if officials performed a similar procedure on Puri.

State Department officials have not yet commented on the incident.

*This information was added for clarity after initial publication.

Comments (180)

  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:58pm

    Special treatment for special people…how interesting.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:58pm

    Can‘t touch a Hindu’s turban, and up next (it’s already being considered), a Moslem woman can’t be checked.

    All Americans: TFB.And if you DARE Say “Fourth Amendment” you will go on a watch list, be escorted from the airport (and soon to a shopping mall near you) and be fined $11,000.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:56pm

    I would just like to point out to some of the more insane and vicious people on this blog that your comments can be read be people in other countries who don’t hate America – yet. When you write something for a worldwide audience you are representing your country and your culture. You might ask yourself – What do I want to tell the world about America? What do I want them to think of us?

     
    • red penny
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 1:44am

      Would you mind terribly if I say I don’t give a damn what other countries think about us.The USA has done more for people all over the world than any other nation and we never seem to get credit for our generousity.There are countries who hate America and always will;so why worry about them!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • C.C.D.
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 2:44pm

      I mind, I mind that you didn’t use a different four letter word..hehe The rest of the world needs to learn that “Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you” this is the reason political correctness has brought this country down. Don‘t want to hurt anyone’s little feelings, now do we?

      Report Post »  
    • C.C.D.
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 2:36pm

      Merry Christmas, and God Bless the Greatest Nation to ever exist, that provides us the right of freedom of speech.

      Report Post »  
    • Teleologicus
      Posted on December 15, 2010 at 2:39pm

      Only in recent years have some Americans started to worry about “what the world thinks of America.” Now of course we have a significant number of such geopolitical, other-directed co-dependents who are always fretting about whether “the world” loves or hates America. This is a symptom of degeneration and weakness that should not be encouraged. The survival and prosperity of nations is not a simple popularity contest or a campaign for home room president. Americans need to be Americans and look out for America. They can rest assured that “the world” will do the same for itself. It is distressing and alarming to find such political naivety among Democrats and the current administration. I therefore respectfully disagree that Americans should self-censor and engage in still more phony political correctness lest “the world” take offense and not like them. “The world” is free to think and feel and behave as it pleases so long as it does not tread on America.

      Report Post »  
  • ellietoo
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:56pm

    Citizens of the United States of America are being subjected to unlawful search in their own country. People are being subjected to the most demeaning of procedures in order to travel. If they allow people, so called “diplomats”, to be exempt from this treatment then we had all better be exempt. Hillary, we are tired of being treated like terrorists! How about seeking out the real bad guys? Hint: they are Muslim extremists from middle eastern countries! Perhaps you could target the small percentage of obvious offenders instead of subjecting millions of Americans to such treatment! They are using national security as a tool to violate our rights and take away our freedoms rather than target the true offenders.

    Report Post » ellietoo  
  • wampanoag
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:47pm

    what are the hiding under the turban? money, diamonds, drugs?

    Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:01pm

      If you‘re a diplomat you don’t have to hide any of that stuff, you could just stick it in your diploamatic pouch. That’s why diplomatic posts are only given to people who are either carefully investigated or already obscenely rich.

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 4:54am

      @Chet
      Does it “Hurt” when they ‘stick it in the diplomatic pouch”…is it hard to retrieve ?

      Report Post »  
  • mndjohnson
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:46pm

    TSA, Unions, & Obama anarchists making a mockery out of common sense wisdom.

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:41pm

    Real easy fix to this problem is that we send them all back to where they come from. Then if they need to talk to us, let them send us a letter. I don’t need them to make a living. This is Obama’s deal not mine.

    Report Post »  
  • roadcouch98
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:41pm

    The Exemptions for TSA screenings will grow (Dangerously, I might add), as does the numbers of Companies sliding off of the Mandatory Healthcare Status.

    Report Post »  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:48pm

      .

      ..all of whom are Obama campaign contributors by the way. And plenty of UNIONS among them!

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
  • wash1776
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:36pm

    This B.S. that all of the politicians are so much better than the rest of us and shouldn’t have to obey the same rules is a crock of crap. They make the rules for everyone but themselves. And this goes for the ones coming into this country as well as the arrogant ones who live here.

    Report Post »  
  • SueDinNY
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:36pm

    Well, he definitely deserves to be treated better than the rest of us. Not!

    Report Post »  
  • luvtheright
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:34pm

    All HATS must be removed — No matter who you are!!

    Report Post »  
  • jose wasabi
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:33pm

    You’re in American now, and don’t forget it.

    Report Post » jose wasabi  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:33pm

    Ok, just tell him that he can fly and his turban can walk. SIMPLE!!!

    Report Post »  
  • UMMAH GUMMAH
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:32pm

    .

    Rastaman say no touch beenie, mon!

    .

    Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
  • Tundra4x4
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:28pm

    If you wear a diaper upon your head, you need to be searched twice as thoroughly as any one else. If you don’t want the rag upon your head searched, then don’t wear it period!

    Your other option, walk home!

    Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:10pm

    My testicles, my testicles, being THUMPED—-ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I dont have “diplo-ouch-matic-ouch—immunity——–ouchcrap!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • the_ancient
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:04pm

    They should not carve out exceptions, it is either good enough for EVERYONE or NO ONE.

    For the “Enhanced Pat Downs” and Porno Scanners, I vote NO ONE

    Report Post » the_ancient  
  • Bill Wallace
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:04pm

    As an ambassador to the US, this guy has diplomatic immunity.

    He could walk through the screens with a loaded AK-47 and the TSA is not allowed to touch him.

    That is what you get when you are a part of the UN and sign the crazy ass international agreements.

    Report Post »  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:02pm

    I’m sure Obama is gassing up the jet to fly over and appoligize…

    Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:46pm

      .

      I suggest he use a moslem pilot since he loves them so much. Use a moslem pilot as a token of good faith. Show the rest of us – you know, the angry clingers – that there’s nothing to worry about.

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
  • UnreconstructedLibertarian
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:00pm

    I personally find this very satisfying.

    Next, I’m awaiting the “burqa breach”, when some Islamic chic gets her kitty petted. I hope she’s a diplomat too.

    Report Post » UnreconstructedLibertarian  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:38pm

      .

      I could go through this if they made everyone go through it equally and it made all the moslems LEAVE. Then we could stop screening altogether and live a normal life again because no moslems means no jihadists.

      How far is this farce going to be allowed to go?

      They are screening “everybody” so they can say they’re not “racist” and they’re not “profiling” when everyone knows that it’s the moslems who are the TERRORISTS.

      THERE! I SAID IT!

      Next the Mexicans get their exemption. Then of course the moslems won’t get screened any longer. And in the end all they will screen is “middle aged while males”.

      And everyone knows that none of this makes air travel an safer.

      THE EMPEROR WEARS NO CLOTHES

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:00pm

    First the Commander in Thief insults Sikhs by refusing to visit a Sikh Temple because covering his head might make him a muslim,
    now
    his TSA insults a Sikh and a Hindu , because they are NOT muslims .
    But just don’t offend any jihadies err.err.. muslims, THAT is profiling !!

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 4:58pm

    what about my testicles???????

    Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:15pm

      How could you think your testicles or a women’s prosthetic breasts are even close to being as personal as a turban??? GEE!!!

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • squeaker
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:28pm

      the sheet heads have more rights than your tessties

      Report Post »  
  • PatriotsCause
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 4:54pm

    Well we’ve already got the Muslim Brotherhood Front Group training TSA for the proper way to treat Muslims. Wonder who’ll we have this time?

    Report Post » PatriotsCause  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:54pm

      .

      They didn’t even need to invade this country with a military force. They just moved here and now they’re telling us what to do.

      RIDICULOUS!

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
    • Chicago Ray
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 7:37pm

      It‘s so nuts and the fact that these people can’t see that shows they could care less about our rules and regs. You could hide a tomahawk missile under that dude’s turban, and so what if he‘s a ’diplomat’?

      They’re bigger crooks than most people in lines at the airports, that’s for darn sure.

      They can smuggle drugs under those, you could fit 2 kilo’s of coke or smack under that thing. They know this, this is part of the plan. Even though an Indian, once you ‘let them’ through, then the Muslim turbans come through with the same argument. Enough of this madness.

      Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • nptden
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 11:17pm

      OH man…it’s all part of DIVERSITY…TRAINING…meaning, they will drag you before the EEOC if you criticize or manage their work performance in any way….It’s a power thing…they use it to be EMPOWERED…. you gotta learn the Commie-Speak…..Transform, iconic, historic, social justice…all right out of the Communist Manifesto….

      Report Post » nptden  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 4:49pm

    No profiling, everyone removes headwear and outer apparel.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:50pm

      .

      Sign me up. If that’s what it takes to make all our precious moozeleembes leave I am ready to sacrifice!

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
    • po-boy
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 7:14am

      Another job for Barney Frank. Feel him down Barney.

      Report Post »  
  • GeauxAlready
    Posted on December 13, 2010 at 4:47pm

    Dude don’t touch my turbin.LMAO…………….

    SpankDaMonkey  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 4:56pm

      Of course the administration wants to have India as our greatest of friends, so we shake down their ambassador and other represenatives and such. If they would have stated to being muslum then they would have been escorted through security with no problems; also if they had been from say China or Russia, or even North Korea for that matter – you know, Communist Brotherhood and all of their ususal garbage.

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • NoDaDAZone
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:09pm

      That‘s what happens when you don’t know the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim. How about some intelligent profiling?

      View Viral Video, WILIKEAKS ON THE LEFT : “DADA – The Enemy of Liberty” http://www.marcrubin.com/dada2.ivnu

      Report Post » NoDaDAZone  
    • 12 gauge
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:29pm

      The State Department will straighten this out, muslims are not to be touched. Going forward, the TSA must stick to granny gropes, handicap harassment, kid cuddling and hot chick bra snapping.

      Report Post »  
    • UMMAH GUMMAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:31pm

      .

      There is that Snow Lepperd again hawking his SPAM! Maybe I should start hawking stuff on here too. Is there no webmaster on duty here? SPAM is very insulting to other people and does not belong in a political discussion forum.

      And how come this guy is always the first to post no matter the thread?

      12 more months of unemployment keeping him busy by the computer?

      .

      Report Post » UMMAH GUMMAH  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:40pm

      I personally wouldn’t know the difference between a Muslum or and Indian, they all wear turbins,there dark skinned, so Hilliary shut up and let the TSA touch their junk

      Report Post »  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:43pm

      How much longer must we endure this crap?

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • Hobo Boondocks
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 5:43pm

      You can fondle the family jewels, pat my fanny, but under no circumstances touch my lid. We draw the line there jack!

      Report Post »  
    • NoDaDAZone
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:05pm

      @UmmahGummah

      Snow Leopard isn’t selling anything. He gives great comments, and he wants to show you his art. It is the public that determines whether an artist is valid, and ShowLeopard is exercising his right to free speech.

      The gallery system and museum system do not have a level playing field. Every artist has a right to show his art in public.

      It is the government-private system of the NEA giving grants for CACA and foisting this crap on museums and galleries that causes artists to take to the streets and internet.
      Here is a video of the 7ft X 14ft masterwork “Atrocity 911” by Marc Rubin serving as a memorial outside Ground Zero on 9/11/2010. http://www.marcrubin.com/911-2010.ivnu . Thousands saw and photographed.

      Why was there a media blackout despite the many media outlets interviewing my artist for 3 hours? The NYPD protected us. You have no idea this occured..

      NoDaDAZone  
    • akim
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:21pm

      ITS CALLED DIPLOMATIC EMUNITY. HAS THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND OBAMA GONE INSANE.

      There are treaties and treaties supersede US Law. TSA who detained diplomat must be placed under arrest. As an American I want my laws and treaties obeyed. Magne Carta dictates that the KING or a leader is subject to the Law. Now India can retalliate against our diplomates. Obama is incapable of carrying out his duties.

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeBeauty
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:23pm

      lmao !!!

      Report Post » ConservativeBeauty  
    • Bluegill
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:34pm

      Very very angry my friend, Obama is a very bad man.

      Report Post » Bluegill  
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 7:02pm

      He must have looked like a diplomatic terrorist. Did they arrest him and fine him $10,000. If it was us, they would. Remember, our safety is what this is all about. (I also have a slightly used bridge in Brooklyn I am willing to sell at a good price)

      Report Post »  
    • akelso
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 7:05pm

      It’s just an absolute shame, that the very law, caused by 911 and the shoe bomber, is beginning to be circumvented by the very group who created the need for the law. Well, their work is done…time to move on to other inconveniences of freedom plans.

      Report Post » Kelso  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 8:23pm

      This Tyrant is violating both the 4th Amendment and international law. Hitler did not do that, but you know who did? Stalin.

      Report Post »  
    • Reagan/Demint.deciple
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 9:14pm

      I‘m flying north next month and I’m going to refuse them to search my baseball cap.. My dad gave it to me before he died and said never ;le anyone touch it.. What do you think is going to happen to me ??

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 9:38pm

      When did Cheech become an Indian official?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8DnA4Ro9tQ

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:27pm

      Someone asked why do we endure this crap; Because the Constitution has been suspended until we take the original Christian-America back!

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:41pm

      Scruge art, it is a phony definition of life and defiles a craftsman of true talents that builds life.

      Jesus was a craftsman of wood and people. His other talents were he spoke pure wisdom, truth and died like a lamb only to bring LIFE in its purist form forever…you just can’t act that or put on canvas…All hail King Jesus, all hail Emanuel…

      Report Post »  
    • patriot308
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:46pm

      Turbins! Get your turbins! Hijabs! Get your hijabs! Get them while their hot! They are going fast! Hey Baby…. want to touch my turbinator??????

      Report Post »  
    • CTHULHUWILLEATYOUFIRST
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:52pm

      America need to get back on track!

      I believe in old-fashioned religion.

      I worship a monstrous toad/god/thing that lives in a lake outside what is now modern day Minsk.

      Report Post » CTHULHUWILLEATYOUFIRST  
    • MadeintheUSA2
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:53pm

      SlimnRanger–now that is funny!
      If the American people have to put up with the nonsense from TSA then ANYONE entering our country has to be felt-up and fondled too! Too bad if you are a diplomat or VIP–remember, being wealthy is bad.
      We do not care about such things anymore. We gotta level the playing field for the whole world and what a great way to start–by molesting everyone that enters a US airport to fly our “really friendly” skies..

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 10:54pm

      Ahahahaha I had the same thought…

      They tried to pat down his turban…

      Ahahahaha

      God this is stupid.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 11:05pm

      @NoDaDAspinZone are you room mates or other with the snowman? I hate the arts because of so many socialist, anti-Christians and anti-Americans involved in it, yeah and San Fransicoian/Oregon/Washington/NY types.

      Meanwhile India is not a contributor of morality to America just another Far-Out of touch bunch and over half are Islamic dudes; that is why Pakistan exists today, Hindus and Buddhist come in second. Bill Gates likes them because they start out cheap and are anti-Christian as a rule.

      Bill Gates never gave to charity until he asked Bill Clinton for more Indians on immigration. Clinton accepted a donation for his library and that showed Gates it was profitable to give to get and now he is praised, just another billionaire like Geo. (don’t want to be a Jew) Soros.

      Report Post »  
    • nptden
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 11:11pm

      Exceptions are only for muslims, communists, radicals and anarchists…Don’t you get it. The TSA is to check loyal Americans….you know like the Gestapo….Who checks them when they come to work???? LOL…there’s the rub….great gig for drug traffickers…and ex-cons….They have job preference.

      Report Post » nptden  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 11:54pm

      Everytime you have to go through this you can Thank the Muslims around the world for causing this. This would never have happened without them! Blame the Muslim Barbarians because it is their fault for all this nonsense!

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • Maverick_166
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 12:21am

      I am thoroughly fed up!!! Jerk that piece of cloth from that idiot’s head and get on with it. I couldn‘t personally give a rats ass what you believe and don’t care what you think. You will submit to a security check of you will not pass!!!!!! End of discussion… you entitled little twit!

      Report Post »  
    • CYCLONE
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 12:56am

      … after TSA smacked me straight in the jewels… believe me… your F-in’ turbin is coming off…

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 9:35am

      @Maverick_166

      So you’re for unconstitutional, human rights and human dignity violating warantless searches, as long as everybody does them?

      Gosh, how Soviet.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • bigdaddybernie
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 6:51pm

      PROFILE ‘em all………..then give ‘em all a fair trial before you execute ’em………… I think INDIA is west of the PECOS, isn’t it ?

      Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 14, 2010 at 8:36pm

      What’s good for the goose is good for the gander…..Deal with it **********.

      Report Post »  

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