Punjab CM urges Centre to stop using Amritsar airport for NRI deportations

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again urged the Central government to stop using Amritsar airport as a deportation hub for NRIs returning from the US. He argued that Amritsar, as a spiritual center, should not be turned into a deportation base.

After reviewing the arrangements at the airport, Mann revealed that 67 people on board the latest US flight were residents of Punjab, all without any criminal background.

Vehicles have been arranged to transport them to their homes, and those wishing to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib will be facilitated. Langar and temporary stay arrangements have also been made for other returning NRIs.

Indian nationals from other states, except those from Punjab and Haryana, will remain inside the airport and will be flown to Delhi after 6 am, from where they will be sent to their respective states.

Mann dismissed BJP leader RP Singh’s claim that Amritsar airport is conveniently located.

“If it is so close, then why not start direct flights from here to the US and Canada?” he questioned, adding, “If one of the deportees were a citizen of Vatican City, would the plane be allowed to land there?”

The Chief Minister reiterated his appeal to the Centre to divert US-deported NRIs to other airports in the country.