If this is true, it's utterly reprehensible and unacceptable!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Manmohan Singh frisked for Bush

By Iftikhar Gillani, The Daily Times

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who received US President George Bush at the airport in breach of protocol, was reportedly frisked by American agents when he was allowed to approach the president.

The media was kept out of sight and hence could not see the incident, but BJP vice president and member of parliament Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi later told the media that it was an insult and humiliation for the nation to allow foreigners to check the Indian prime minister in his own land.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for Bush who arrived here for a three-day visit on Wednesday. US Secret Service agents, camping in New Delhi for the last two months, have virtually sealed off the Maurya Sheraton hotel, which is hosting the visiting president. The adjoining hotels have also been taken over by US and Indian security officials. Both carriageways of the roads used by Bush’s motorcade will be closed for traffic.

Before Air Force One landed at the technical area of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Indian Air Force aircrafts carried an aerial recce. A team of US officials also visited hospitals in the national capital to carry out checks and identify facilities to deal with an emergency.

At least four helicopters were brought to Delhi from the US a couple of weeks ago as were several cars, including some limousines, which will be used by Bush for travel within the city.

Bush will start his official engagements on Thursday (today) morning by visiting Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in the morning after a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.