A deeply distressing incident unfolded at Delhi Airport where a kidney dialysis patient and his two young sons were subjected to extreme harassment while trying to board a flight to Jammu. The patient, who had completed his kidney treatment at a private hospital in Delhi, contacted our correspondent to share the ordeal that left the family in tears.
According to the patient they had purchased an expensive airline ticket to ensure a quick journey back to Jammu. However, upon reaching Delhi Airport, they were met with undue harassment during the security check. The patient and his sons were detained for nearly half an hour. One of his sons was forced to remove his shoes which were returned to him torn. The harassment escalated when a security officer sarcastically remarked, “What else should we open now?” The son, in a desperate tone, replied, “My father is ill, and we are running late. Do whatever you need to, but please let us go.”
As tensions mounted, a nearby official told the security personnel, “Let them go, or they’ll miss their flight.” Despite this by the time they were allowed to proceed it was too late. The family, distraught and in tears, watched helplessly as their flight remained on the tarmac but were denied boarding by the airline staff.
In their moment of despair one of our editors stepped in to assist the family. He arranged train tickets for them, and with the help of railway officials, the tickets were confirmed. The family was finally able to continue their journey to Jammu by train.
This incident highlights the persistent discrimination faced by residents of Jammu & Kashmir. The family has made a heartfelt appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to raise the issue with the central government and address such discriminatory behavior.
This heartbreaking experience underscores the urgent need for authorities to ensure dignity and respect for all passengers, particularly those with medical conditions. Incidents like these tarnish the ethos of humane travel and call for immediate corrective action.
