India’s Parliament was thrown into chaos on Thursday as opposition members protested vehemently against the alleged inhumane treatment of 104 Indian immigrants who were deported from the United States. The incident marks the first deportation flight to India as part of a stringent policy initiated by the Trump administration.
The deportees arrived in a northern Indian city on Wednesday aboard a U.S. military aircraft.
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According to reports and statements made in Parliament, the deportees were subjected to harsh conditions, including having their arms and legs shackled throughout the flight.
In response to these allegations, parliamentary proceedings were halted as opposition lawmakers raised slogans and demanded an urgent discussion on the matter. Congress party lawmaker Renuka Chowdhury described the treatment of the deportees as inhumane, stating, “They were handcuffed, had their legs chained, and even struggled to use the washroom.”
Echoing her sentiments, Gaurav Gogoi, another Congress party member, labeled the treatment as “degrading.”
Parliament Speaker Om Birla attempted to pacify the situation by noting that the deportation was a matter of U.S. foreign policy, adding, “The U.S. also has its own rules and regulations.”
Among the deportees, Jaspal Singh shared his ordeal, revealing that the restraints were only removed upon their arrival at Amritsar airport in India.
This incident has not only sparked a debate on human rights and the treatment of deportees but also raised questions about international relations and the policies governing deportation procedures. The opposition’s outcry in Parliament signifies a broader discontent with how such policies affect Indian citizens abroad.
The government has yet to issue a detailed response on the matter, but this event is likely to fuel further discussions on India’s stance regarding the treatment of its diaspora and bilateral relations with the United States.
Key Points
Parliament Disruption: India’s Parliament was disrupted as opposition lawmakers protested the treatment of 104 Indian immigrants deported by the U.S.
First Deportation Flight: This was the first such deportation flight from the U.S. to India under the Trump administration’s crackdown.
Alleged Mistreatment: Reports claim the deportees were shackled during the flight, with arms and legs chained, causing significant discomfort and difficulty in using basic facilities.
Protest in Parliament: Lawmakers from the Congress party, including Renuka Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi, described the treatment as “inhumane” and “degrading,” leading to chants and demands for discussion in Parliament.
Speaker’s Response: Parliament Speaker Om Birla stated that the issue pertains to U.S. foreign policy and their regulations.
Deportee’s Account: Jaspal Singh, one of the deportees, confirmed that restraints were removed only upon arrival in Amritsar, India.
Broader Implications: The incident has sparked debates on human rights, the treatment of deportees, and the implications for India-U.S. relations regarding immigration policies.
