Date:16/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101659251200.htm

National

Removal of drivers criticised

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president and Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamad on Wednesday criticised the removal of two police drivers from Leader of the Opposition L. K. Advani’s motorcade during his Kerala visit earlier this week because they belonged to a minority community.

Reacting to newspaper reports — even as Kerala Government ordered an enquiry into the incident — Mr. Ahamad said he spoke to Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta in this regard as the National Security Guards comes under the direct charge of the Ministry. According to Kerala Police, the two Muslim drivers were removed from the motorcade on the instructions of the NSG which provides Mr. Advani security cover.

Mr. Gupta, the Minister said, has asked the NSG Director-General to enquire into the matter and take appropriate action. About the incident itself, Mr. Ahamad said: “Doubting the integrity of individuals just because they belong to a particular community is reprehensible.”