Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has alleged a conspiracy behind the Centre’s decision to land US deportation flights in Amritsar, claiming it is an attempt to malign Punjabis. He also raised security concerns over US military aircraft arriving near the India-Pakistan border.
PC Bureau
Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday said that the arrival of a second U.S. aircraft carrying deported Indian nationals would serve as a “test for Indian diplomacy.” The flight, carrying a fresh batch of illegal immigrants, is scheduled to land in Amritsar, Punjab.
The deportation of Indian nationals from the United States has been an ongoing issue, with hundreds of undocumented immigrants being identified for removal. Many of these individuals had reportedly entered the U.S. through illegal means, often after undertaking perilous journeys across multiple countries, including South and Central America. Reports indicate that many Indian migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally are from Punjab and Haryana, with human trafficking networks playing a crucial role in facilitating their passage.
Chidambaram Questions Government’s Handling of Deportation
In a post on X, Chidambaram remarked, “All eyes will be on the U.S. aircraft landing today in Amritsar, bringing back illegal immigrants. Will the deportees be handcuffed and their legs tied with ropes? This is a test for Indian diplomacy.”
His comments refer to reports that Indian deportees have been subjected to inhumane treatment, including being handcuffed and restrained during transit. Similar concerns were raised when a U.S. aircraft carrying 104 Indian deportees landed in Amritsar on February 5. The arrival of that flight had sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the central government of failing to negotiate better conditions for returning citizens.
For my most recent @nytimes piece, I met Harwinder Singh, a migrant who traveled in shackles to India on the first deportation flight sent by President Donald Trump.
Mr. Singh told me that he felt like a “prisoner” and a “slave” on the 40-hour flight. pic.twitter.com/ZdHnvYVdDU
— Karan Deep Singh (@Karan_Singhs) February 15, 2025
During a press briefing on February 7, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the government was aware of the situation and was closely monitoring developments. However, Chidambaram and other opposition leaders have accused the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of passivity and questioned whether adequate diplomatic pressure had been exerted on the U.S. government to ensure the humane treatment of deported Indian nationals.
Chidambaram also criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for not raising the issue of deportation protocols when he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He alleged that the government was neglecting the welfare of its citizens, pointing out that 483 more Indians had been identified for deportation. He further questioned whether India had offered to send its own aircraft to bring these individuals back and if similar arrangements would be made for future deportations.
After Modi’s meeting with Trump, second badge of 487 handcuffed & chained Indians being deported back to India today in US military plane. There is hardly any Punjabi onboard still the plane will land at Amritsar airport again. Plan is to defame Punjab.pic.twitter.com/N7SPY1NHYx
— ਜਸਪਿੰਦਰ ਕੌਰ (@udhokes) February 15, 2025
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Centre of Defaming Punjabis
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also criticized the central government, alleging that Amritsar was being deliberately chosen as the landing site for deportation flights to tarnish the image of Punjab and its people.
“There is a conspiracy to defame Punjab and Punjabis. The first plane landed in Amritsar, and now the second one too. The MEA should clarify the criteria used to select Amritsar as the landing site. Why not Ahmedabad or Delhi?” Mann questioned.
Mann’s remarks reflect growing concerns in Punjab that the high number of deportations could reinforce negative stereotypes about the state. Punjab has a long history of migration, with many residents seeking better economic opportunities abroad, particularly in countries like Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. However, in recent years, the rising number of illegal immigrants from Punjab being detained or deported has become a sensitive political issue.
Mann also raised concerns over national security, stating, “America’s military planes are landing in Amritsar, just 40 km away from Lahore. What kind of foreign policy is this?” He urged the MEA and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to reconsider the landing site and divert future flights to Delhi, Hindon, or Ahmedabad instead.
The Larger Issue of Illegal Immigration
The deportation of Indian nationals, particularly from Punjab, highlights a larger crisis involving illegal migration networks and human trafficking. Many young people from the region fall prey to agents and middlemen who promise them safe passage to the U.S. in exchange for large sums of money. These individuals often undertake dangerous routes through Latin America, crossing multiple borders under precarious conditions.
The issue has also strained diplomatic ties between India and the United States, with Washington demanding stricter action against human trafficking networks operating from India. Meanwhile, the Indian government faces mounting pressure to ensure the dignity and rights of its deported citizens.
As the controversy unfolds, opposition leaders continue to question whether the Centre is doing enough to protect its nationals and why more proactive measures are not being taken to address the root causes of illegal migration.
