Punjab CM Urges Modi Government to Avoid Making Amritsar a Deportee Hub
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Synopsis
On February 15, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned the Modi-led Union government against converting Amritsar into a deportee hub. He criticized the repeated landings of deportee flights, asserting these actions tarnish the image of Punjab and hurt the sentiments of its people.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warns against turning Amritsar into a deportee centre.
- Repeated deportee flights disrespect the sacred land and its history.
- The actions of the Modi government are seen as an attempt to malign Punjab.
- Concerns raised about national security due to foreign planes landing near hostile borders.
- The state government is committed to rehabilitating deportees and cracking down on illegal travel agents.
Amritsar, Feb 15 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann issued a stern warning to the Modi-led Union government on Saturday, urging them to avoid transforming the sacred city of Amritsar into a 'detention or deportees' centre by continuously sending planes filled with deportees to this hallowed ground.
The Chief Minister, during his visit to the Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport to oversee preparations for the deportees expected to arrive later that night, reminded the Government of India that history shows those who have attempted to harm this land have not prevailed.
Mann criticized the Modi administration for engaging in malicious acts by repeatedly landing deportee flights on this revered territory, aiming solely to tarnish the image of Punjab and its people.
This action, he stated, has negatively impacted the psyche of Punjab as a whole, and particularly the Sikh community.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this sacred land, which is being exploited for discrediting Punjabis, is home to numerous revered sites such as Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Durgiana Mandir, and Jallianwala Bagh, where countless innocent patriots sacrificed their lives for India's freedom.
Mann emphasized that belittling Punjab is an unforgivable sin in the eyes of its people, particularly against the BJP and Modi's inner circle.
He questioned whether anyone would dare to perpetrate such actions in Vatican City, the sacred city for Christians, and asked why the sentiments of Punjabis are being disregarded with the continuous landings of deportee flights in Amritsar.
The Chief Minister lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for neglecting the welfare of citizens, claiming that this government has compromised the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation.
He lamented the absence of a robust foreign policy under the current administration, which has led to the inhumane treatment of deportees.
Mann noted that while the Prime Minister was embracing the US President during a recent visit, Indian citizens were being disgracefully deported back home.
The Chief Minister raised concerns about why Modi did not address this issue with Donald Trump during their meeting.
Mann expressed astonishment that a foreign warplane is allowed to land at an airport located just 40 kilometers from a hostile neighbor, suggesting that this reckless act could threaten national security, yet the Union government remains indifferent.
He questioned the decision of the Ministry of External Affairs to designate Amritsar for these landings when numerous other airports across the country could suffice, indicating that this choice serves only to malign Punjab.
Mann reiterated that when the state government requests the initiation of international flights, the demand is dismissed with trivial excuses.
In the meantime, he assured that the state government is taking strict action against illegal travel agents, as these agents have contributed to the illegal immigration of innocent Indians to the US, resulting in their deportation.
He vowed to ensure stringent measures against such travel agents to deter future offenses.
Mann confirmed that all necessary arrangements are in place for the accommodation and support of deportees arriving at the Amritsar airport tonight.
He assured that officials have been assigned to guarantee the safe return of all deportees to their homes and that the state government is committed to providing adequate rehabilitation opportunities based on their skills in the region, pledging to spare no effort for this noble cause.
