MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
Share
The political tensions in Punjab have escalated as a second US deportation flight carrying 12 Indian nationals is set to land in Amritsar on Saturday night. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again slammed the Centre, alleging that landing deportation flights in Amritsar will defame Punjab.
US Deportation Crackdown: Who Are the Deportees?
The deportations are part of former US President Donald Trump’s promised crackdown on illegal migration.
According to reports, the deportees’ state-wise breakup is as follows:
67 from Punjab
33 from Haryana
8 from Gujarat
3 from Uttar Pradesh
2 each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan
1 each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir
Congress Attacks Mann Govt Over Human Trafficking
The Congress and BJP have also taken aim at the AAP-led Punjab government, accusing it of failing to tackle human trafficking.
Congress MLA Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the Mann administration for not effectively implementing the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, which regulates travel agents and prevents illegal migration.
“Can Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home Portfolio, tell Punjabis how many travel agents have been prosecuted under this law in the last three years?” Bajwa asked.
Mann to Centre: ‘Don't Make Amritsar a Deportation Centre’
Addressing the issue in a press conference, CM Bhagwant Mann urged the Centre to divert the flight, questioning why Amritsar is being singled out.
"Do not make our holy city (Amritsar) a deportation centre. There are many airbases in the country where this flight can land," Mann said.
He further emphasized that Amritsar is globally recognized for its historic and religious landmarks, including the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Gobindgarh Fort.
"Would they allow deportation flights to land in Vatican City if deportees hailed from there?" Mann asked.
Demanding that the flight be rerouted, Mann reiterated:
"I still say divert it. The plane can land at Hindon or Delhi airport instead."
BJP Hits Back: ‘Mann Should Answer on Punjab’s Unemployment’
The BJP fired back at Mann, accusing his government of failing to create jobs, which they claim is forcing Punjab’s youth to seek illegal migration routes.
"Bhagwant Mann has no right to ask questions—he must answer them. Why is Punjab’s youth leaving the state? Is it because AAP has miserably failed to generate employment?" BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said.
With political tempers flaring, the Centre has yet to respond to Mann’s demand for rerouting deportation flights.
