Badal writes to PM to ensure Obama's visit to Golden Temple

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT 23
 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has requested Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to intervene personally at the highest level with the US Administration to ensure that President Obama’s proposed visit to Sri Harmandar Sahib is not aborted. “ If need be, you may please consider speaking to the President himself,” said Mr. Badal in his letter.
      President Obama is expected to visit India from November to 7 to 10  and Sri  Amritsar Sahib  originally featured on the itinerary.
       In a letter to Dr. Singh, Mr. Badal said that there appeared to be 'some communication gap between the Indian and the US security agencies on the issue. “The US Administration may be reminded that international dignitaries, including the Queen of England, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have paid their obeisance at the Golden Temple without any security hassles,” said Mr. Badal, adding that the Sikhs all across the world would be disappointed if President Obama did not visit the Golden Temple. 
       On the issue involving the observance of religious decorum (Maryada), Mr. Badal said the US president would be well aware of the sensitivities involved. “All across the world, when dignitaries visit religious shrines, they are always briefed about the observance of Maryada of the concerned religion, and they always respect the sentiments of the followers of that religion. But if there is any misunderstanding on this issue, it can be resolved at the diplomatic level