Punjab Chief Minister Condemns Landing of Deportee Flight in Amritsar
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Synopsis
On February 14, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the Central Government's decision to land a flight with deported Indians at Amritsar airport, calling it a conspiracy to tarnish Punjab's image. He raised concerns over the choice of location and the implications of such actions for the state's reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Mann opposes landing of deportee flight.
- Labels the action a conspiracy to defame Punjab.
- Questions choice of Amritsar over other airports.
- Illegal immigration is a national issue, not just Punjab's.
- Criticizes Modi's foreign policy effectiveness.
Amritsar, Feb 14 (NationPress) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has voiced his opposition to the Central Government's plan to land the next flight transporting deported Indians at the Amritsar airport this Saturday, labeling it a 'conspiracy' by the Union government aimed at 'defaming' Punjab and its people.
During a media interaction, Mann emphasized that despite Punjab being recognized as the 'food bowl' and 'sword arm' of India, the BJP-led administration is orchestrating a campaign to tarnish the state's reputation. He criticized the decision to allow a flight carrying deported individuals from the US to land in Punjab, stating it is yet another attempt by the Government of India to damage Punjab's global image.
Reports indicate that a US aircraft carrying 119 illegal immigrants is scheduled to arrive at the Amritsar airport on Saturday, marking the second round of deportations under the Trump administration's crackdown. The plane is anticipated to arrive around 10 p.m.
Mann raised concerns about the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) selecting Amritsar for this landing when numerous other airports are available throughout the country. He mentioned that he has previously addressed this issue with the MEA and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) but has not received any constructive feedback.
He pointed out that a plane had landed recently, and now two additional flights are set to arrive without sufficient justification. Mann accused the Prime Minister and his party of targeting Punjabis, despite the fact that over 90 percent of those who sacrificed, were imprisoned, or exiled during India's independence struggle hailed from Punjab.
Mann stated, 'It is the moral responsibility of the MEA to clarify the reasons for choosing Punjab, particularly Amritsar, for this landing.' He also noted that considering a hostile neighbor is just 40 km away, it is puzzling that a US Army plane is landing in this region. He added that when the state government advocates for the initiation of international flights from Amritsar, such requests are declined for questionable reasons.
Nevertheless, Mann asserted that the landing of the deportees' plane is an effort to sully the state's reputation without any valid rationale. He questioned, 'If an aircraft carrying former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can land at Hindon airport, and Rafale jets can arrive in Ambala, why can't this plane be redirected to another location in the country?'
Mann highlighted that illegal immigration is not solely a Punjab issue but a national concern. He criticized the portrayal that only Punjabis are being deported from the United States. Targeting Prime Minister Modi, Mann remarked that the 'self-proclaimed global leader' has failed to safeguard the rights of Indians.
He concluded by stating, 'This reflects the failure of the country's foreign policy, as while Modi was engaging with his ally Donald Trump, Indians were being deported on an army plane. Apart from his self-aggrandizement, Modi has achieved nothing for the nation during his visit, and the deported Indians represent a 'return gift' from Trump to Modi.'
