Overview

• A US military aircraft carrying 119 deported Indian nationals is set to land in Amritsar today, with 67 of the deportees reportedly from Punjab.
• Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticized the BJP-led central government, claiming Amritsar was chosen as the landing site to defame Punjab, sparking a political controversy.
• BJP leaders countered Mann's accusations, urging him to address unemployment and crack down on illegal immigration networks in Punjab instead of politicizing the issue.
• Deportees have reported harsh treatment by US authorities, including being handcuffed and shackled, which has drawn criticism from Indian opposition leaders and human rights advocates.
• The Indian government has stated that it is engaging with US officials to ensure humane treatment of deportees, while deportation flights are expected to continue bi-weekly.