Punjab CM Slams Centre Over Amritsar Deportations

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the central government's decision to land planes carrying deported Indian migrants in Amritsar, suggesting it's an attempt to defame Punjabis. He raised national security concerns and questioned why other cities weren't chosen for the landings.

In a sharp rebuke to the central government, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused it of deliberately selecting Amritsar as the landing site for flights carrying Indian deportees from the US, labeling it an attempt to malign Punjabis. Mann expressed security concerns, pointing to the city's proximity to the Indo-Pakistan border.

The Chief Minister's allegations come amid heightened tensions over the repatriation of alleged illegal migrants from the United States. Citing the landing of a second flight carrying deported Indian citizens, Mann questioned the rationale behind not selecting other cities like Delhi or Ahmedabad for the operation. He referred to the deportations as a "gift" from the US and voiced his disapproval of using military planes for the task.

Opposition parties have joined Mann in criticizing the move, condemning the manner of deportation as "inhuman," with reports alleging deportees were ill-treated during transit. Mann called on the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs to reconsider the landing locations, advocating for a change in route to Delhi, Hindon, or Ahmedabad.

(With inputs from agencies.)