Dunki disaster: US Punjabi group demands Punjab stop deadly immigration routes

NAPA calls for government action against travel agents exploiting 'dunki' routes as US deportations flood Punjab. The return of hundreds of Indian deportees from the United States to Amritsar has ignited concerns over illegal immigration practices, particularly the dangerous "dunki" routes facilitated by unscrupulous travel agents. The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) is urging the Punjab government to take decisive action to protect vulnerable youths and crack down on human trafficking networks.

Deportation Flights Spark Concern

Following the arrival of multiple flights carrying Indian deportees from the US, concerns are mounting about the methods used by these individuals to enter the country illegally. The deportees allege they were misled and exploited by travel agents who charged exorbitant fees to guide them through treacherous "dunki" routes to the US border without fully informing them of the risks. The first flight carried 104 illegal immigrants, and a second flight recently brought 119 more, with a third expected soon.

NAPA Calls for Government Intervention

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has voiced serious concerns about the situation, calling on the Punjab government to intervene and prevent young people from taking dangerous routes to foreign countries. Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, stated that despite repeated warnings, the government has failed to implement effective measures to curb illegal migration. NAPA is urging the government to strengthen enforcement, increase awareness, and collaborate with international agencies to combat this crisis. They also want the Punjab government to protect the lives of young Punjabis and take decisive action against those who send youths abroad illegally.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Solutions

NAPA has also emphasized the need for a rehabilitation fund to support the returning deportees, addressing potential unemployment, mental health issues, and involvement in illegal activities. NAPA terms deportation as a social problem that could have a long-term impact on the illegal immigrants who are returning.