Mann slams Modi for picking Amritsar to land deportee flights
What's the story
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has slammed the Indian government for landing deportation flights at Amritsar airport. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government was trying to malign Punjab and its people's name. Speaking to the media, Mann asked why Amritsar was selected for these flights when other airports across India were open.
Unfair targeting
Mann accuses Centre of smear campaign against Punjab
Mann alleged that despite Punjab's immense contribution as India's "food bowl and sword arm," the Centre is running a smear campaign against the state. He said he had raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) but to no satisfactory response. The CM also pointed out that one deportation flight had already landed in Amritsar earlier this month, and two more are scheduled without any clear justification.
Security issues
Mann raises security concerns, questions flight route decisions
Mann also raised security concerns since Amritsar is close to Pakistan. He questioned the government's decision to restrict international flights from Amritsar citing security reasons but allowing a US military aircraft carrying deportees to land there. The CM suggested this decision portrays Punjabis as illegal migrants and demanded that future deportation flights land in New Delhi or elsewhere instead of Amritsar.
Deportation debate
Mann criticizes PM Modi's handling of deportation issue
Further, Mann slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the deportation issue. He alleged PM Modi was a "self-proclaimed global leader" who failed to protect Indians's rights while cozying up to US President Donald Trump. The CM said deported Indians should have been brought back with dignity on Indian aircraft instead of being subject to humiliation.