US Deportation Flights Stir Political Debate in Punjab

A US military aircraft carrying 116 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar, drawing criticism from Punjab's political leaders. The deportees were returned as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. A third plane with 157 deportees is expected soon.

A US military aircraft with 116 illegal Indian immigrants landed at Amritsar International Airport late Saturday night, according to official sources. The C-17 aircraft touched down at 11:35 PM, slightly delayed from the expected time of 10 PM.

This marks the second batch of Indians deported by the Trump administration amid its intensified clampdown on undocumented immigrants. While the previous group arrived in shackles, it remains unclear if this batch faced the same condition. Post thorough immigration checks, deportees primarily from Punjab were escorted to their homes by police around 4:30 AM on Sunday.

The return has sparked political controversy in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticizing the central government for using Amritsar as a deport center. He emphasized the need for the state government to support the affected families by arranging transportation back to their hometowns. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress have traded accusations over handling illegal immigration issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)