New Delhi: USA’s Transport Security Administration (TSA) has defended Continental Airlines for frisking former president Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and says according to American security rules all air passengers have to be screened for security irrespective of their rank or position.
"The Government of India has an official list of VIPs and their spouses that are exempt from pre-board screening procedures. However, such a list does not mirror US requirements for passengers that are exempt while travelling from an international location to the US on a US commercial aircraft. Former heads of state and other VIPs, are screened according to the same screening procedures as for any other passenger,'' said TSA in a statement.
TSA’s statement is in variance with Indian aviation security rules and protocol. According to India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, every airline which begins services in India is given a manual which must be followed at all times.
They also need to appoint a security in-charge who knows all rules and has to report any conflict or problems on compliance.
Kalam was made to remove his shoes and was frisked by Continental Airline staff at the Delhi airport before boarding a flight to Newark, US, on April 21.
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