If the facts as in this article are verified ones, especially that a white skinned person was granted the transitb visa but not these innocent kids, Then my dear indians it is the limit of shamelessness on our part. Wake up ,its already too late by now..........
Well Mr American Indian, you did make mistake and the official incharge did what was expected of him. You raise a hue and cry for what the official did to u. But u morons would not do the same in your adopted country. India may be u'r country of birth. But that does not mean that u get a free pass long after u have abandoned the country for $$$'s.
I remember experience of my son a few years back(2000) in Bombay. We leave in Tanzania and his passport was first issued and renewed in Dar Es Salaam. He had used the same passport for travelling to India for at least 5 times. As he was coming back the official told him he cany LEAVE the country as he doesnt have something called EC in the passport. Embassy officials told us that EC is needed for passports issued in india and on first departure from india. My son was asked to go to some office in bombay (at 02.30AM) and get the stamp. I would not go in details of how my son managed to board the flight but he did. At that time law did not matter. My son always says if u have money and u r ready to spend u do anything at bombay airport. Indian officials(especially those who want to promote tourism)shold learn from East Africa. Come and spend few days with them and learn. But if u r an Indian flying Air India u r not maharaja but just a peon of maharaja. Same for airport officials. One Indian told me way back in 1979 that customs and imm officials at indian airports seem to be jealous of indians living overseas. I hope but not expect the situation to improve. My sympathy to victims
The problem that the Indian family faced at the Mumbai Immigration is very much what should have happened legally. However, what concerns me is that the family could have been held back and allowed at least 24 hrs to have the paper work faxed from Boston.
It is so very true that foreigners, espcially white skin get preferential treatment at the immigration counters. I am not sure if this is because of the mindset of the officials or just because their respective governments or local embassies ensure to pass on the message that their citizens be treated with dignity.
Rather than complaining about the situation, I suggest:
- Indian immigration officials be sent to countries in Europe and America and have them trained and see how the respective countries treat their citizens when they return home
- Strict Disciplinary laws be in place, which lays down the foundation for more human, polite and dignified way of treating people, irrespective of their citizenship, caste, color etc.
Anyone can understand the difficulties but the blame is not solely on one side... Be it India or United States of America it doesn't matter...it wud have been not much different in a similar situation if it was US port of entry... maybe better management of the situation could have been possible... All Indians be they in the country or in foreign land have NO RESPECT for their fellow country man!! I think its exaggerated version of *Athithidevobhava* imbibed deeply in indian phsyche...for sure there cud be some technical reason for the other foreigner getting a transit visa... most of these things are at the discretion of whimsical fancy of the issuing authority and its not jus the case with A country... they work under the cover of rules which are confidential and hence no scope for questioning... If such things make a person shamefull of being Indian then they are obviously no more Indian and shud not call themselves Indian either! Every coin has 2 sides... if anyone feels the coin is of no use coz of the bad side then better not carry it than using the good side when needed!! This would be a typical lopsided thought of abusing... All the best to the family on their next visit
I am absolutely appalled at the behaviour of the immigration officers involved in this incident. I too had to face a strange situation with an immigration officer back in Mumbai about two years ago. As I was going through the channel, the officer at the time refused to allow me entry to my own country!! His reason was the photograph on passport was very dissimilar to my appearance at the time. The photograph on my passport was taken when I was 20, and being a Sikh I had had substantial growth in facial hair since. I am sure even with denser beard I wouldn't be that unrecognisable. I am a resident of Australia, and even the authorities in Austarlia have the common sense not to question the differnce in appearance everytime I pass through the ports. And then comes along an incident like this one, which downright disgusts me. What can I say - Mera Bharat Mahaan.
Fire the immigration offical now...if possible deport that scum out of India. By the way I always felt Indians are the worst racist. I had similar experience when I visited a hotel in Agra. The way the ushers treated us compared to white skin foreigners is deplorable. We are still in colonial rule no doubt about that.
RE:Indian are worst racist...
by Girja Tripathi on Dec 21, 2006 03:39 AM Permalink
fuck you sucker when you brand entire indian community as racist. who the hell you think you think you are to brand every indian a racist. you should have gone to courts if you have that sensitivity over the kinda treatment you are talking about. almost any sensible person in india can assure you that entire indian nation would have stood by you. just shut up and do your part of work without barking like a self made punk and painting everything in black. Girja
I can understand the inconvience caused to you, but let me assure you that all over the world its the same. Very few places they issue transit visas and transit visas are with reciprocal countries only. Infact in other countries they could also detain you. I have traveled all over the world and its the same everywhere.
I think the immigration could have been a little more helpful but its entirely your fault that you traveled without the relevant papers especially during times when you know that the security is on high alert.
I am sure you must have not offered any bribe to the concerned officer else you would be allowed. Anyways have a pleasant stay when you get back to India.
