Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent comments regarding the repatriation of Indian deportees from the United States to Amritsar have ignited a significant political debate. Mann questioned the central government’s decision to designate Amritsar as the landing site for these deportees, suggesting it was an attempt to tarnish Punjab’s image. In response, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opposition parties have criticized Mann’s stance, urging him to address the underlying issues of illegal immigration and unemployment in the state.
Mann’s Concerns Over Deportee Landings in Amritsar
Chief Minister Mann expressed his dissatisfaction with the Ministry of External Affairs’ choice of Amritsar as the arrival point for deported Indian immigrants from the U.S. He questioned the criteria behind this decision, implying that it was a deliberate move to defame Punjab. Mann stated, “You select Amritsar to defame Punjab… So, at the same time when PM Modi and (US President) Trump were meeting, they (US officials) must have been putting shackles on our people. Is this the gift Trump has given?”
Furthermore, Mann condemned the treatment of the deportees, highlighting reports that they were handcuffed and shackled during their transport. He described this as a “matter of great shame for the country” and criticized the Haryana government for transporting its returnees in police prisoner vans from Amritsar airport. Mann emphasized that instead of providing solace to these individuals, subjecting them to such treatment was akin to “rubbing salt in the wounds.”
BJP’s Rebuttal
In response to Mann’s remarks, BJP leaders accused the Chief Minister of politicizing a sensitive issue. BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh stated that Mann’s comments were an attempt to degrade his own state and advised him to avoid politicizing the matter. Singh emphasized that the deportees’ return was a result of their illegal immigration status and that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of such migration.
BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa pointed out that many Punjabi youths fall victim to unscrupulous travel agents who promise them better opportunities abroad. These agents often exploit the aspirations of young individuals, leading them to sell their properties to fund illegal immigration attempts. Sirsa criticized the Punjab government for not taking stringent action against these agents, suggesting that their unchecked operations have contributed to the current situation.
Calls for Constructive Action
Fatehjung Singh Bajwa, Vice President of BJP’s Punjab unit, urged Chief Minister Mann to focus on rehabilitating the deportees by providing them with employment opportunities. He highlighted that a significant number of the deportees are from Punjab, indicating a pressing need to address unemployment and the factors driving residents to seek illegal avenues for migration. Bajwa questioned the actions taken by the Punjab government against illegal immigration centers and emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for industry and investment in the state.
Opposition’s Perspective
Members of the Congress party also weighed in on the controversy. Congress MP Gurjit Singh Aujla described Mann’s statements as attempts to create sensational headlines without substantive action. He noted that while the deportation incident is unfortunate, it reflects broader issues related to the country’s economic conditions, prompting citizens to seek opportunities abroad. Aujla called for both the BJP and AAP governments to introspect and address the systemic issues leading to such migration trends.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the landing of deported Indian immigrants in Amritsar underscores the complex interplay of immigration policies, state reputation, and political narratives. While Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raises concerns about the perceived targeting of Punjab, opposition leaders emphasize the need for introspection and proactive measures to curb illegal immigration and provide viable opportunities within the state. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, focusing on policy reforms, stringent action against illegal agents, and the creation of sustainable employment avenues to deter residents from seeking unlawful migration paths.
