A second US military aircraft carrying 116 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar late Saturday night, reigniting controversy over the treatment of deportees. Among those onboard, several individuals claimed they were subjected to inhumane conditions during their forced return to India.
“Legs Chained, Hands Cuffed” – A Harrowing Journey
Daljit Singh, a deportee from Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, described the ordeal, stating that their “legs were chained and hands cuffed” throughout the journey. Similar accounts were given by deportees from the first batch who arrived earlier this month, fueling widespread outrage in India.
Singh further revealed that he had been taken to the US via the dangerous “donkey” route—an illegal migration pathway involving treacherous terrain and multiple international borders. His wife alleged that a travel agency had misled them, promising a direct flight to the US but instead sending him on this perilous journey.
Mass Deportation Amid Trump’s Crackdown
The deportations come as part of former US President Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. The latest flight carried individuals from multiple states:
- Punjab: 65
- Haryana: 33
- Gujarat: 8
- Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan: 2 each
- Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir: 1 each
The first flight, which arrived on February 5, carried 104 deportees, including 13 children. A third deportation flight, carrying 157 individuals, is expected to land in Amritsar soon.
Political Uproar and Government Response
Opposition leaders have condemned the treatment of deportees, disrupting Parliament proceedings and demanding answers from the government. In response, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that India is engaging with US authorities to prevent mistreatment of returning citizens. He emphasized that the use of restraints was part of US standard operating procedures (SOP) but added that India is closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Punjab and Haryana governments have arranged transportation for deportees, ensuring their safe return home.
