S Kewal Singh Dhillon, Punjab PCC vice-president and Whip of Congress Legislative Party, said it would be a "great loss" to the entire Sikh community if the visit is called off due to a "disagreement" on what Obama should wear to cover his head.
A senior Congress leader from Punjab today urged the Sikh religious leadership to ensure that US President Barack Obama visits the Golden Temple by finding an amicable solution to the issue of what he should wear to cover his head while visiting the holy place.
S Kewal Singh Dhillon, Punjab PCC vice-president and Whip of Congress Legislative Party, said it would be a "great loss" to the entire Sikh community if the visit is called off due to a "disagreement" on what Obama should wear to cover his head.
"I strongly urge the Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) to find an amicable solution to the problem at the earliest so as to ensure that the visit is not cancelled as this would be a great opportunity to take up issues related to Sikh community in the US with Obama," he said.
According to reports, White House team which visited India last month had ruled out Obama wearing the traditional scarf to cover his head, which they felt may convey an image of him appearing to be a Muslim -- a misinterpretation which the team would like to avoid.
Dhillon said Obama's plan to visit Golden Temple will be seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the Sikhs, who form a powerful economic and political community across the world.
He said the visit will be historic as it will give great recognition and respect to the entire community.
"It would, moreover, help in clearing confusion over the various cases of mistaken identity, whereby so many innocent Sikhs living in the US have been victims post 9/11 attacks and have had to face many brutalities," he said.
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