3rd batch of Indian deportees from US arrive in Amritsar
What's the story
A United States military aircraft, with 112 Indian deportees, landed at Amritsar's Shri Guru Ram Dass International Airport on Sunday night.
This is the third such arrival in 10 days, amid the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
The group consisted of people mostly from Haryana (44), Gujarat (33), and Punjab (31), with other deportees from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Repatriation process
Deportees' return and India's response to US actions
After finishing the immigration and verification processes, the deportees will be sent back to their homes.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed that basic supplies such as food and diapers were given to them.
This latest deportation comes after two earlier ones on February 5 (104 deportees) and February 15 (116 deportees).
The first batch had claimed they were shackled during the flight, sparking a political uproar in India.
Diplomatic dialogue
India engages with US over deportee treatment
Responding to the controversy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the government is in touch with the US to ensure a humane treatment of the deportees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke on the issue, stressing India's readiness to take back its citizens living illegally in America.
He stressed the need to fight human trafficking and expressed confidence in working with President Trump to break this "ecosystem."
Deportation defense
US embassy defends deportation, India's rank in illegal immigration
Defending its actions, the US Embassy in India said national security and public safety concerns were the reasons behind enforcing immigration laws.
The embassy spokesperson said it is important to "faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens."
Notably, India is the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants in America, after Mexico and El Salvador.
Deportation hub
Punjab CM's concerns and arrest of wanted individuals
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured proper treatment for the deportees on arrival.
He voiced concerns over using Amritsar as a deportation hub considering its cultural significance, proposing other airbases for future flights.
"Do not make our holy city (Amritsar) a deport center...Amritsar is known for the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Gobindgarh Fort," he said.
The second batch of arrivals on Saturday included two murder accused in Punjab, who were arrested upon landing.