A military flight from the U.S. brought back 117 Indian citizens to Amritsar late Saturday night. Most of these deportees were from Punjab. This marks the second such operation in just over a week, highlighting an increase in deportations. Since October 2023, over 1,100 Indians have been sent back to India.
The flight, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster, landed around 11:30 PM. Among the deportees were 65 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and smaller numbers from states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and others. Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, was present to welcome them.
The urgency of these deportations has raised many concerns. Mann has expressed worry about Amritsar, a city known for its religious significance, becoming a hub for deportations. He questioned the appropriateness of landing U.S. military aircraft in such a sacred place, mentioning landmarks like the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh.
His concerns resonated with others across the political spectrum. Congress MP Manish Tewari and former state minister Gulzar Singh Ranike both criticized the choice of location for the deportees’ arrival, interpreting it as an unfair stereotype against Punjabis regarding illegal immigration.
Many deportees face severe hardships upon return. Some sold land or took on significant debt—about ₹40-60 lakh (around $48,000-$72,000)—to attempt migration to the U.S., often through dangerous routes via Latin America or by using student visas. The state has promised support to help these individuals reintegrate into society.
In an effort to combat illegal migration, Punjab Police have begun cracking down on travel agents involved in these schemes. A recent arrest illustrates this focus. As deportations gain attention, Mann has also criticized Prime Minister Modi for not addressing this issue during his recent meeting with President Biden.
Going forward, the state government is pledging strict action against those who exploit people seeking migration. Mann emphasized a commitment to rehabilitation for returnees and ensuring that no effort is spared in providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Check out this related article: Exciting Arrival: US Flight Delivers 119 Indian Immigrants to Amritsar in Historic Second Batch
Source linkIndian citizens,US deportation,Punjab chief minister,illegal migration,travel agents
