119 Indian deportees land in Amritsar amid rising political tensions

Punjab: A second group of 119 Indian deportees from the United States arrived at Amritsar airport on Saturday, marking another wave of repatriations under the Trump administration's ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. This follows an earlier deportation flight on February 5, which stirred nationwide outrage over the alleged inhumane treatment of deportees.

Majority of Deportees belong to Punjab and Haryana

According to officials, 67 of the deported individuals are from Punjab, while 33 hail from Haryana. The remaining deportees include eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally visited Amritsar International Airport, ensuring transportation arrangements for Punjab residents among the deportees. "Our vehicles are ready to take them to their places," he stated.

Third deportation flight expected soon

Sources have confirmed that a third deportation flight carrying 157 Indians is scheduled to arrive on Sunday. This continued wave of repatriation has fueled political debates in India, with opposition leaders raising concerns over the treatment of deportees and the government's response.

Allegations of harsh treatment on first deportation flight

The controversy surrounding these deportations began on February 5, when a US Air Force plane carrying 104 Indian nationals landed in Amritsar. Several deportees alleged that they were handcuffed throughout the journey, only being unshackled upon landing.

This sparked outrage across India, with opposition leaders condemning the treatment. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government, stating that Indian migrants were treated “even worse than garbage.” Following the backlash, the Indian government formally expressed its concerns to Washington regarding the treatment of deportees.

Punjab CM criticizes the central government

Ahead of the latest deportation flight’s arrival, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann took a firm stance against the Centre, questioning why Amritsar was being used as a deportation hub. "Do not make our holy city a deport center," he stated, emphasizing that there are numerous airbases across the country where these flights could land.

Mann further highlighted the historical and religious significance of Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Gobindgarh Fort. Comparing the situation to international contexts, he questioned, "Will they allow landing [of deportation flights] at Vatican City if deportees hail from there?"