Rahul Gandhi Calls for Dignity for Deportees, Condemns Modi Government
In a recent turn of events, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The focus of his condemnation stems from the treatment of Indian illegal immigrants deported by the United States. The issue was brought to light when one of the deportees, Harvinder Singh, shared his harrowing experience of being handcuffed and shackled throughout the journey back to India.
Singh recounted his ordeal in an interview with the Indian Express, stating, “On February 2, they took us out of our rooms and handcuffed us and also put shackles on our feet.” He further elaborated, “They told us that they were taking us to some camp and didn’t tell us that we were being deported. Then they onboarded us to a bus. All this while our hands and feet remained cuffed.” The journey continued with Singh and others being escorted to the airport, where they were informed that they were being taken back to India.
The distressing account continued as Singh revealed, “We stopped at two places before being taken to Amritsar. The journey took us 40 hours. For 40 hours, we were handcuffed, our feet tied with chains and we were not allowed to move an inch from our seats.” He added that even requests for bathroom breaks were met with resistance, with someone accompanying them every step of the way.
The deportation of Indian immigrants has sparked outrage and concern, prompting responses from various political figures. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress MP, questioned why Prime Minister Modi did not intervene, especially given his purported friendly relationship with US President Donald Trump. She criticized the use of handcuffs and chains during the deportation process, calling for more humane treatment of deportees.
Opposition MPs joined in the protest, condemning the inhumane treatment of Indian deportees and raising awareness about the alleged use of restraints during the journey on a US military aircraft. They gathered outside Parliament with placards and donned handcuffs to symbolize their solidarity with the deportees. Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also urged PM Modi to address the issue with President Trump.
In response to the escalating situation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the government is actively engaging with the US to ensure that deported Indians are treated with dignity and respect. He clarified that while restraints are a standard procedure during deportations, women and children are exempt from such measures. Jaishankar reassured that deportees’ needs, including food, medical emergencies, and toilet breaks, are attended to.
As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the plight of deportees and the challenges they face during such processes. The call for dignity and humanity in dealing with such cases resonates strongly, urging governments to prioritize compassion and respect for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. The need for a more humane approach to deportation procedures is underscored by the shared experiences of those affected.
