Amritsar, February 16, 2025 – A C-17 Globemaster military aircraft carrying 119 deported Indians arrived at Amritsar International Airport at 11:40 PM on Saturday. This marks the second deportation flight in ten days.
The first batch of 104 deportees landed on February 5. A third flight, with 157 deportees, is scheduled to arrive on Sunday.Among the 119 deportees, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and eight from Gujarat. Three are from Uttar Pradesh, while two each belong to Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. One person each is from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Deportees Arrive in Large Numbers
Among the 119 deportees, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and eight from Gujarat. Three are from Uttar Pradesh, while two each belong to Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. One person each is from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Several families gathered at the airport to receive their relatives.
Shackled on Flight, Freed Upon Arrival
The deportees remained shackled and restrained throughout the flight. They were freed only after landing in India. This treatment sparked outrage, leading to a political storm in Parliament.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed concerns, saying India is in talks with the US to ensure humane treatment. He also noted that such deportations are not new and have been happening for years.
Modi Calls for Action Against Human Trafficking
During his recent US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India will take back its citizens living illegally abroad. However, he stressed the need to fight human trafficking.
“Our bigger battle is against this entire ecosystem. We are confident that President Trump will support India in ending it,” Modi said.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy defended the deportations. Officials stated that enforcing immigration laws is crucial for national security and public safety.
Punjab CM Criticizes Centre Over Deportations
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the airport and said his government has arranged transportation for Punjab residents.
Deportees from other states will first fly to Delhi before heading home. Mann criticized the Centre, urging it not to turn Amritsar into a “deport center.”
India Among Top Three for Undocumented Immigrants
India ranks third in undocumented immigrants to the US, following Mexico and El Salvador.
Many deportees from Punjab had migrated to the US for better opportunities. However, their dreams were shattered when US authorities detained and deported them.
