Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised strong protest over the constant landing of deportation flights in Amritsar, claiming that the Centre is purposely targeting Punjab to portray Punjabis as the main group that are involved in illegal immigration. He alleged the government of defaming the state and has also questioned why other major airports like Delhi, Hindon and Ahmedabad were not chosen instead.

Mann asserted that the second deportation flight which is expected to land in Amritsar on Saturday is part of a deliberate plan to spoil Punjab’s image. His reaction comes after the first deportation flight with 104 nationals landed in Amritsar on February 5, inciting political uproar.

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Why has Punjab been chosen?

‘’There is a conspiracy to defame Punjabis and Punjabis. The first plane arrived in Amritsar. Now a second plane carrying Indian citizens who have been accused of illegally migrating to the US will land in Amritsar. The MEA should inform the criteria based on which Amritsar was selected for landing of the aircraft. You have chosen Amritsar to defame Punjab, ‘’ANI quoted Mann as stating.

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CM Mann has also raised national security concerns, asking why US deportation flights were landing so near to Pakistan. He highlighted that Amritsar is just 40 km away from Lahore and such a decision can pose a threat.

‘’America’s military planes are landing in Amritsar, and an enemy country, Pakistan is right next to it. Lahore is 40 km away from there. What kind of foreign policy is this?’’ he asked, as per ANI.

Moreover, Mann also blamed the BJP government for discriminating against Punjab. He alleged that while it is difficult for Punjab to get international flights, deportation flights have been set here purposely.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticised the government, alleging mistreatment of deported Indian nationals who have been handcuffed and transported in chains abroad on US military aircraft. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have been appealed to give clarifications on their decision to land these flights in Amritsar.

(With inputs from ANI)