‘You select Amritsar to defame Punjab’: CM Bhagwant Mann condemns Centre over migrant deportation

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed his concerns over the arrival of a second plane carrying Indian citizens, who allegedly migrated illegally to the United States, at Amritsar’s airport tomorrow. Mann questioned the selection of Amritsar as the destination for these repatriations, suggesting that the decision was made to defame the state.

“Tomorrow, a second plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly migrated illegally to the US will land in Amritsar. The Ministry of External Affairs should explain the criteria for choosing Amritsar for this operation. It seems like a deliberate move to tarnish Punjab’s image,” Mann stated during a press interaction.

Mann further criticized the timing of the operation, drawing a connection between the repatriations and the recent diplomatic meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. “While PM Modi and Trump were meeting, US authorities must have been taking harsh actions against our people. Is this the kind of ‘gift’ Trump has given to India?” he remarked, hinting at a possible diplomatic fallout affecting the people of Punjab.

The Punjab Chief Minister’s remarks come after reports indicated that multiple Indian citizens, primarily from Punjab, were being deported back to India due to alleged illegal immigration issues in the US. The decision to fly these citizens back to Amritsar has sparked political controversy, with several leaders questioning the choice of the airport and its implications for the state.

Mann’s comments have raised concerns over the perceived negative impact on Punjab’s reputation, as the state continues to struggle with issues such as migration and unemployment. The issue also highlights broader discussions around immigration policies and the role of Indian diaspora communities abroad.

As the second flight is set to arrive in Amritsar, the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to clarify the reasoning behind selecting the city for these returns, further fueling political debate in the region.

This development comes at a sensitive time for both the Indian government and the US, with ongoing conversations about immigration reform and international relations between the two nations.

(With ANI Inputs)