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Punjab state guest detained by Delhi officials

United States-based expat agriculturist Didar Singh Bains, who came to India at the invitation of the Punjab government, was detained at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi international airport for three hours on Monday night. He was released only after Naresh Chandra, India's ambassador to the US, took up the matter with the Union home ministry.

Bains arrived from California, where he owns the world's largest peach orchards, by a direct flight, but was detained by immigration officials. His son and wife were, however, allowed to go.

Punjab government officials who came to receive Bains immediately took up the matter, but could not make any headway. They contacted the state administration at Chandigarh, who also drew a blank with the immigration authorities.

Later, the Punjab government contacted Chandra who finally managed to secure Bains's release through the Union home secretary after about three hours of procedural wrangling.

His name reportedly figures in the 'black list' prepared by the central government after the Punjab troubles broke out in the 1980s. Bains, who last visited India in January 1984, is here to explore the possibilities of undertaking various developmental projects.

During his 1984 visit, he was accorded a reception by then President Zail Singh. He had also met then prime minister Indira Gandhi. He later associated with expat Sikhs who protested against Operation Bluestar and the November 1984 riots.

Several Sikhs, including Delhi Tourism Development Corporation chairman Tarlochan Singh -- once, the Giani's press secretary -- have expressed unhappiness over Bains's detention. They have urged the home ministry to review the black list as the situation has changed drastically since then.

Bains was scheduled to sign an agreement with the Punjab government to open a bank, besides establishing a college and a school in his native district of Hoshiarpur.

After last night's fiasco, it is not certain if he will go ahead with those plans.

UNI

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