New Delhi, Jul 12, DHNS: “Pakka, Indian ho?” The question by an immigration officer to a Manipuri activist headed to Seoul has prompted the government to order a probe into a complaint of racial abuse.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, came to light after Monika Khangembam posted on Facebook her experience at the Indira Gandhi International airport here.
As social media exploded over the treatment meted out to the activist, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to express regret over the incident, and said she would discuss the issue with Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Monika wrote on Facebook that after looking at her passport, the immigration official remarked that she does not look Indian and asked with a smirk whether she was really Indian and how many states are there in the country.
When she told the officer she was running late, he insisted that she answer him and told her the aircraft would not leave without her. Monika said she replied to his questions as he was not willing to proceed with the work. He also asked her how many states Manipur shares borders with.
“What a bully and never felt so humiliated. It was like it was his mission to make me realise my ‘Indianness’ and he thought he was being funny. I was running late and felt I was giving in to the bully. Spoiled my night. Is there a way to complain against these bullies?” she wrote.
Sushma tweeted, “I am sorry to know this. Immigration is not with me. I will speak to my senior colleague Shri @rajnathsinghji to sensitise Immigration officials at the airport.”
Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju said the Bureau of Immigration would probe the charges. “We are examining the case. We have asked for a full report. There have been previous cases of harassment. We will take action if anyone is guilty of harassment,” he said.
In March 2015, an immigration officer at the Delhi airport was suspended after a Bengaluru-based woman complained that he threw sexual innuendos at her while she was on the way to Hong Kong.