Punjab’s Deportee Crisis: Political Storm Over Illegal Immigration and Accountability
Chandigarh, Feb 15, 2025 – The deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States has triggered a fierce political battle in Punjab, with Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of failing to act against fraudulent travel agents. As another flight carrying 119 deportees prepares to land in Amritsar, the debate has intensified over the role of state authorities, the choice of deportation hubs, and the broader implications of illegal immigration.
Political Firestorm Over Deportations
CM Bhagwant Mann has criticized the central government, alleging that it is deliberately using Amritsar as a deportation hub to tarnish Punjab’s image. However, Union Minister Bittu dismissed this claim, stating, “If a plane lands in Punjab, how does it defame our state?” He accused the AAP government of failing to act against fraudulent travel agents, who lure desperate youth into selling their assets for risky migration attempts.
The controversy escalated as reports emerged that on February 5, a U.S. aircraft carrying 104 deportees had landed in Amritsar, with another flight set to arrive soon. BJP leaders, including Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Fatehjung Singh Bajwa, have blamed the AAP-led Punjab government for ignoring the rise of illegal travel networks.
“These agents have made thousands of Punjabis jobless. Instead of protecting them, the state government is busy playing politics,” said BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
Opposition and Legal Concerns
Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition, has raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012.
“How many travel agents have been booked in the last three years under this law?” he questioned, blaming the Mann government for failing to act against human traffickers. Bajwa also criticized the state administration for not announcing a rehabilitation program for deportees.
“It’s been ten days since the first flight landed. The government has neither offered assistance to these individuals nor ensured their money is refunded from fraudulent agents,” he added.
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
Legal experts argue that India could raise the issue with international human rights bodies over the alleged inhumane treatment of deportees. Reports indicate that deported individuals were handcuffed and shackled during their journey back to India, sparking ethical and diplomatic concerns.
Why Amritsar? The Debate Over Deportation Hubs
A key point of contention is the decision to land deportee flights in Amritsar. While CM Mann claims it is a deliberate attempt to defame Punjab, BJP leaders argue that Amritsar is simply the nearest international airport for flights arriving from the United States.
“Stop politicizing the issue and promoting conspiracy theories,” BJP’s RP Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Statistical data further highlights the disproportionate number of Punjabi deportees. Of the 157 deportees arriving in India on Sunday, 31 were from Punjab. Similarly, 30 of the 104 deportees who arrived on February 5 were also Punjabis. In total, 128 out of all deportees so far hail from Punjab, underscoring the state’s major role in illegal migration.
A Call for Action Over Political Posturing
While political parties continue their blame game, the root cause—illegal immigration networks—remains unaddressed. The Punjab government is under growing pressure to take decisive action against fraudulent travel agents who exploit desperate youth.
Instead of engaging in political mudslinging, both state and central governments must collaborate on:
- Stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
- Public awareness campaigns to inform youth about the dangers of illegal migration.
- Stricter regulation of travel agencies to prevent fraud.
- Job creation programs within Punjab to reduce migration pressure.
Without concrete action, the cycle of illegal immigration, deportation, and political controversy will persist, leaving thousands of Punjabi families in turmoil.
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