Mandi (Munish Sood)
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh has strongly condemned the inhumane treatment of 104 Indian nationals deported from the United States, calling it a serious violation of human rights.
Taking to social media, Vikramaditya Singh questioned the Modi government’s silence, asserting that such incidents challenge India’s status as a “Vishwaguru” (world leader).
“We are against illegal immigration, but that does not mean our citizens should be treated like criminals. The way they were sent back — in handcuffs and shackles — is unacceptable and humiliating,” Vikramaditya Singh said.
He emphasised the need for India to protect the dignity of its people abroad and urged the government to take a firm stand on the issue.
Deportation sparks nationwide outrage
The mass deportation, carried out using a US military aircraft, has sparked widespread criticism. Reports confirm that many of the deportees were restrained throughout their journey, an act Vikramaditya Singh deemed inhuman and excessive.
The deported individuals, mostly from Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana, were detained for attempting to enter the US through unauthorised means.
Opposition demands government response
Vikramaditya Singh’s remarks have ignited a broader political debate, with opposition leaders demanding a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. Critics argue that the Modi government’s inaction reflects a lack of concern for Indian citizens facing harsh treatment abroad.
The deportation comes amid tightening immigration policies in the US, with the Trump administration taking a strict stance against illegal entries. The use of a military aircraft to carry out the deportation underscores the seriousness of the issue.
Call for immigration policy reassessment
Vikramaditya Singh has called for a review of India’s immigration policies, urging the government to ensure that Indians abroad are treated with respect and dignity.
Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has also argued that some deportees should have been considered for permanent residency, as they were contributing to the US economy.
