CM Bhagwant : Modi government has failed to repatriate its citizens with respect and dignity
On Saturday, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned the Modi-led Union government against turning the holy city of Amritsar into a “detention or deportee center” by repeatedly sending planes carrying deportees to land there.
The Chief Minister, who visited the Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport to oversee preparations for the deportees’ arrival later that night, reminded the Government of India that history shows that anyone who has tried to harm this sacred land has never prospered. He accused the Modi government of attempting to tarnish the image of Punjab and Punjabis by repeatedly using this revered land for deportation purposes. CM Bhagwant Mann stated that this action has deeply affected the sentiments of the entire state, particularly the Sikh community.
He reminded the BJP and Modi that Amritsar is home to sacred sites like Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Durgiana Mandir, and Jallianwala Bagh, where countless patriots sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. He expressed that denigrating Punjab was a sin that Punjabis would never forgive, especially the Modi government and its supporters. He asked the Union government why they would not dare to carry out such actions in the Vatican, a holy city for Christians, and why the sentiments of Punjabis were being disregarded in this manner.
The Chief Minister also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to protect the interests of the country and undermining its unity, integrity, and sovereignty. He lamented that under the current regime, the country lacks a strong foreign policy, resulting in the inhumane treatment of deportees. CM Bhagwant Mann questioned why Prime Minister Modi, who had been so close with the US President during his recent visit, did not raise the issue of deportations, adding that Modi should have at least offered to send Indian planes to bring the deportees home.
Further, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the use of a foreign warplane to land at an airport located just 40 kilometers from a hostile neighbor, which could have endangered national security. He criticized the Union government for its indifference to this issue. CM Bhagwant Mann also questioned why the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) chose Amritsar for the deportee planes when there are many other airports in the country.
He pointed out the irony that while the state government has requested the start of international flights from Amritsar, those requests have been denied for trivial reasons. However, he assured that the state government is taking a tough stance against illegal travel agents who have caused many of the deportations, and strict action would be taken against them to deter future offenses.
Finally, CM Bhagwant confirmed that all necessary arrangements were in place for the deportees’ accommodation and travel home upon their arrival at Amritsar airport. He assured that the state government would provide support for their rehabilitation, ensuring their expertise is utilized and that every effort would be made to assist them
