Click to play videoParis: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had to face some embarrassing moments in France during the India-EU summit on the question of violence against Christians in some states of India.
When Manmohan met French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Marseille on Monday, the host expressed concern over the killings of Christians in India calling it a massacre.
Sarkozy, however, did not see any thing wrong when it was pointed out that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turbans and other religious symbols in state schools.
"The question of turban and the massacre of Christians are not of the same nature. We expressed serious concerns vis-a-vis Christians but were reassured by the determination of the Indian Prime Minister," Sarkozy said.
He, however, added that Sikhs are welcome in France but they must also respect its rules.
"But we have rules concerning the neutrality of civil servants and secularism. The rules apply to all in the territory of France. This applies to everybody with no exception. But there is no discrimination and Sikhs are welcome,” the French President said.
"We respect their traditions and customs and I hope they also respect France's rules," he said.
Manmohan has already described the continuing violence against Christians as a 'National Shame'.
"I have myself condemned these as acts of national shame. Central government has sent its forces to enable the sate governments to enforce law and order," Manmohan said.
Manmohan also reiterated that the government was committed to maintain India’s secular credentials.
"I would like to reaffirm that the Government of India stands firm to defend the secular values which are the foundations of our constitution. We respect all minorities and their right to propagate the religion of their choice," he said.
To a question about the problem of wearing of turbans by Sikhs in France, the French President said France respects Sikhs and welcomes them.
"But we have rules concerning the neutrality of civil servants and secularism. The rules apply to all in the territory of France. This applies to everybody with no exception. But there is no discrimination and Sikhs are welcome.
"We respect their traditions and customs and I hope they also respect France's rules," he said.
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