Amid the ongoing immigration crackdown under US President Donald Trump, a second US plane carrying 119 deported Indian nationals is scheduled to arrive at Amritsar airport in Panjab at 10 pm on Saturday.
The deportees include 67 individuals from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, reports NDTV.
This is the second such deportation flight, following the arrival of 104 Indian nationals on 5 February. Reports suggest that similar flights will continue on a bi-weekly basis to repatriate undocumented Indian immigrants from the US.
Many of these migrants reportedly spent substantial amounts of money on promises of legal entry into the US, only to endure arduous multi-country journeys facilitated by human traffickers. Videos released by US Border Patrol have drawn criticism, showing deportees handcuffed and shackled during transportation. These visuals have sparked outrage in India, with the opposition questioning the central government's approach to the deportations.
Opposition Criticizes Deportation Process
Congress leader P. Chidambaram raised concerns about the deportation process, calling it a test of Indian diplomacy. "Will the deportees be handcuffed and their legs tied again? The Centre must ensure humane treatment of its citizens," he stated.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of deliberately defaming Punjab by choosing Amritsar as the landing site for these flights. Mann called it a "conspiracy" to tarnish the state's image, especially as a large number of deportees hail from Punjab.
"The Centre must clarify the criteria for selecting Amritsar as the landing site. Is this the gift that Trump has given to India while shackling our people?" Mann remarked at a press briefing in Amritsar.
Centre Defends Decision
Responding to criticism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that the deportations were conducted by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He assured that ICE follows specific protocols, including avoiding the use of restraints on women and children and addressing the basic needs of deportees during transit.
The BJP dismissed allegations of discrimination against Punjab, emphasizing logistical reasons for choosing Amritsar airport. BJP spokesperson RP Singh said, "Amritsar is the closest international airport for flights entering India from the US. Stop promoting conspiracy theories due to lack of knowledge."
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of politicizing the issue. "Such sensitive matters should not be used for political gain. National security and the humane treatment of citizens should take precedence," he stated.
As another US plane carrying deported Indians is expected tomorrow, the debate over the treatment of deportees and the Centre's response to the situation continues to escalate.
