New Delhi: Government Thursday said that
former President A P J Abdul Kalam did not fall under the category of people exempted from security screenings at the US
airports but this courtesy was extended to him in keeping with his stature.
Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed told the
Rajya Sabha that his ministry had on learning about the
incident involving security screening of former President
Kalam at the JFK Airport launched a protest with the US
government.
"Under US regulations former President Dr Abdul Kalam
does not fall in the category of persons exempted from
security screenings at US Airports. However in keeping with
his stature, US authorities extend courtesies to him at the
US airport, including escort and private screening," Ahmed
said.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 15:45