After Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan faces embarrassment in the U.S. and visa denial to Sarod Player Amzad Ali Khan by the U.K., the Congress says there must be a special category or position for intellectuals travelling across the globe so that they do not have to face undue difficulty.
"Though these issues cannot be connected, security concerns are of prime importance. At the same time, artists, VIPs, writers, actors travelling across the globe, I think, there must be a special category or position so that they do not undergo too much of concerns, because they are clear internationally on security matters.
"I think there should be an acceptance on their entry and exit, because this is also applicable to visitors into India. It would create further embarrassment if VIPs coming from the U.S. and England are stopped here, this would not lead to a good situation," Tom Vadakkan told ANI.
"While security is a prime concern, at the same time, I have been told that the U.S. authorities have apologised for this, and I am sure that the United Kingdom will appropriately react to it, because we look at it as serious concerns for our artists, writers and intellectuals travelling across the globe," he added.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles airport on Thursday evening for questioning by the U.S. immigration department. It was the third such instances when Shah Rukh was detained at an U.S. airport. Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia at the U.S. Department of State, tweeted apologising for the hassle. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" she tweeted.
U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma also apologised to Shahrukh Khan, saying that he is working to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Late on Friday, Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan took to the social media to express shock at having his visa application to the U.K. rejected. His tweets expressing disappointment come a day after Shahrukh Khan was detained for security checks at the Los Angeles airport.