New Delhi: A second flight with Indian immigrants deported from the US is set to land in Amritsar on February 15 (Saturday), according to sources. They said one more flight may come after February 15. Two flights are expected this weekend.
This comes after a US military aircraft carrying 104 immigrants deported from the US arrived in Amritsar on February 5, marking one of the largest deportation operations during President Donald Trump’s administration.
A controversy erupted after the decision to land the flight in Amritsar was taken. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema accused the BJP-led central government of intentionally targeting Punjab.
Move aimed to sully Punjab’s image: Cheema
Cheema alleged that the government’s decision was aimed to defame Punjab by ensuring that the aircraft carrying deported Indians landed in Amritsar. It is a move that is directed to sully the image of Punjab, he said, adding the aircraft should land in Ahmedabad rather than in Punjab.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said that the US has notified India about “487 presumed Indian nationals” who have been issued deporation orders. The deportees, who had allegedly tried to enter the US through illegal means, claimed they were subjected to inhumane treatment during their journey, with their hands and legs tied during the entire flight and only unshackled after the plane landed.
Regarding the mistreatment issue, Misri described it as a “valid concern” and assured that the Indian government would take up the issue with US authorities.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the House that deportations of Indian immigrants from the US have been ongoing for years, with 15,668 illegal Indian immigrants deported since 2009. He underlined that even though the process is old, the government remains committed to ensuring the fair treatment of its citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump soon, against the backdrop of US deportations. Immigration and reciprocal tariffs are set to be the key focus of the meeting between the two leaders.
