Update: 08/07/2013 7:32 PM EST – Sikh24 has learned that Bhai Manjit Singh GK, along with his associates of the DSGMC, have successfully boarded a flight to Dubai. Bhai Manjit Singh GK was refused security clearance by the Italian Airport Security Staff who insisted GK and his associates remove their turbans for security clearance. This request was denied by GK, a move that has received appreciation from Panthik bodies worldwide.

The issue led to a delay of over 24 hours and finally the DSGMC team has boarded their flight to Dubai. Bhai Manjit Singh GK will be stopping in Dubai for a few days before finally continuing his journey to New Delhi, India.

As per a text messages received by United Sikhs, the Sikh passengers were given VVIP treatment after many hassles initially. The airport security staff allowed the Sikhs to board the flight without having to remove their turban. It should be noted that Manjit Singh GK and his associates had requested the screeners to carry on their search using a metal detector but the airport staff was adamant about the Singhs removing their dastars.

Update: We have received a video from Paramjit Singh Rana asking that Sikhs take the injustice they received to UN bodies.

ROME, Italy—Bhai Manjit Singh GK, President of Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee was asked to remove his turban at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Bhai Manjit Singh was in Italy to promote awareness of the Sikh identity and help resolve turban and identity related issues Italian Sikhs had been facing there.

Sikh24 has learned that along with Bhai Manjit Singh GK, four of his associates on board an Emirates airlines flight to Dubai were refused security clearance by Italian security. Such issues have become common in Italy where Sikh passengers are humiliated by the airport security services.

As per the latest reports, Bhai Manjit Singh GK refused to remove his turban. Sikhs in large numbers have reached the Rome airport to protest the disgraceful incident. Sikhs have also protested in New Delhi. Other Sikhs accompanying Manjit Singh GK are said to be Paramjit Singh Rana, Gurvinderpal Singh, Puneet Singh Chandhok and Gurbachan Singh Cheema.

In a statement, Bhai Manjit Singh GK said, “for last almost 24 hours we are on airport and will try to take flight on Wednesday night but we will not take off our turbans.” He further alleged that representatives of 40 Gurdwaras in Italy have approached the airport administration.

Removal of the turban—especially forced removal—in public is considered blasphemous and the team with Manjit Singh GK refused to do so. They asked the security team to manually check the turbans using metal detectors but the airport security was adamant in asking the Sikhs to remove their dastars.

The Ambassador of India in Rome is said to be monitoring the situation and despite the efforts by the Indian Embassy in Rome, the airport administration has denied permission to Bhai GK and his associates to board their flight.