Amid the news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit with President Donald Trump, reports suggest that two more flights deporting 'illegal' Indian immigrants will land in Amritsar this week.
According to a report by India Today, the second flight is expected to land at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, on Saturday, February 15, followed by the third flight, expected to arrive a few days later.
The development comes days after the Trump administration deported 104 undocumented Indians, including 25 women and 12 minors belonging to Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chandigarh.
A video featuring the deporting of 'chained and handcuffed' Indian nationals posted by the United States Customs and Border Protection Chief Michael W. Banks on February 6 received widespread criticism on social media.
Amid the controversy, even ministers weighed in. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema alleged that the NDA-led Centre is trying to defame Amritsar by landing deportation flights in the state. "Why not Haryana or Gujarat? This is clearly an attempt by the BJP to tarnish Punjab's image. This aircraft should land in Ahmedabad instead,” he said as per an India Today report.
Reportedly, the talks around illegal immigration will likely be a major issue during PM Modi and Trump's visit.
