Bajwa Criticizes Punjab Administration for Neglecting Illegal Immigration Concerns

Chandigarh, Feb 16 (NationPress) The United States government has been consistently deporting illegal immigrants, including a considerable number of Indian citizens. Recently, numerous Indians were returned to their homeland via a special flight, many of whom originated from Punjab. The Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and senior Congress figure Partap Singh Bajwa has accused the Bhagwant Mann government of failing to implement effective measures in this regard and “squandering time”.

During a conversation with IANS, Bajwa asserted that the Bhagwant Mann administration is attempting to shift blame onto the Centre, while, in truth, the state government bears responsibility for combating human trafficking and illegal immigration in Punjab.

Bajwa posed the question of why deported Indians consistently arrive by flight in Amritsar. He indicated that Punjab's reputation has already suffered internationally over various issues, and it is now being depicted as a center for illegal immigrants. He accused the Central government of intentionally damaging Punjab’s image and attempting to assign it a negative identity.

He further questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not address this issue with the U.S. President and other senior officials during his trip to Washington. Bajwa contended that since the U.S. is a country of immigrants, with a significant portion of its population coming from immigrant backgrounds, it raises a crucial question about the treatment of Indian citizens.

Bajwa criticized the Punjab government, stating that if the Chief Minister genuinely cares for these youths, he should have traveled to Amritsar with a concrete rehabilitation plan rather than returning without any solutions.

He proposed that the Chief Minister should have unveiled a financial assistance package of at least ten to fifteen lakh rupees per individual, allowing these youths the chance to rebuild their lives.

Bajwa demanded that the Punjab Police and the state government promptly file charges against the travel agents involved and recoup the funds expended by these youths to travel abroad.

He stated that if these travel agents were facilitating illegal immigration, it is their duty to compensate for the resulting damages.

Bajwa further alleged that Punjab is being systematically weakened economically. He highlighted that trade opportunities with neighboring states have been obstructed, and insufficient efforts have been made for industrial advancement. When the youth perceive no alternatives, they are compelled to seek illegal immigration, leading to dire outcomes.

The Congress leader denounced the treatment of Indians living unlawfully in the U.S. and indicated that they were returned as if they were criminals, which he found completely unacceptable.