- विज्ञापन -
Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the deportation of a second group of Indian nationals allegedly living illegally in the US, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his discontent regarding the use of military aircraft for their return. He stated, “I am not pleased with the Americans using a military aircraft,” and emphasized the need for awareness about whether the returnees were handcuffed or shackled, asserting that protests should be organized if that were the case.
Tharoor also commented on the choice of Punjab as the deportation destination, noting that the selection typically caters to the convenience of the majority of those on board, as many deported individuals were likely from Punjab and Haryana.
An aircraft carrying this second group of deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport early Sunday morning. Additionally, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s remarks about the deportations, arguing that it was inappropriate to politicize the situation. “If migrants from states like UP or Gujarat arrive in Punjab, what’s the issue? They will be welcomed and sent back to their respective states,” Bittu remarked. He further accused Mann of being part of the ‘tukde tukde’ gang, which he claimed aims to divide the nation, and highlighted issues of illegal operations in Punjab.
A family member of one deportee shared that he had migrated to the US eight months ago, incurring expenses of approximately Rs 50 to 55 lakhs, funded by selling land. “He left with the help of agents, and we learned about his return through the news,” the family member recounted.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured that the deportees would be treated well and that adequate arrangements were in place. He informed the media that the deportees would stay in Amritsar for a few hours before proceeding to their home states, as flights had already been arranged by the Ministry of External Affairs. “Our young people are returning, so they will not go hungry; we will ensure proper accommodations,” Mann said in a press briefing.
