Deportation under distressing and humiliating conditions: Congress moves adjournment motion in LS

New Delhi: Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, on Thursday moved an adjournment motion in the House to discuss the deportation of over 100 Indian nationals by the United States government, citing concerns over their treatment during the process. Another Congress leader, Manickam Tagore, also moved an adjournment motion to address the “inhumane deportation of Indian nationals” and urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent the mistreatment of citizens abroad.

In his motion, Gogoi described the deportation as “deeply distressing and humiliating,” asserting that those sent back—primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat—were subjected to degrading conditions. Among the deported individuals were 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men, many of whom were allegedly shackled during their removal, raising serious concerns about human dignity and rights.

“This House must urgently address the issue to prevent further dehumanisation of our people and to uphold the dignity of every Indian, both at home and abroad,” the motion stated.

Gogoi further linked the deportation crisis to economic hardships in India, stating that a lack of sufficient opportunities and support has pushed individuals to seek a better future abroad, often through dangerous and desperate means. He criticised the government for failing to address the root causes of migration, such as inadequate job creation, insufficient social security, and ineffective policies, which have left many vulnerable to exploitation.

The Congress leader also condemned the lack of response from the central government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, regarding the alleged mistreatment of deported Indian nationals.

“The continued silence of the Government of India, particularly the lack of a strong response from the Prime Minister, has been noted domestically and internationally. The Prime Minister’s failure to comment or take concrete steps to engage with the United States on this matter has led to a perception that the government is indifferent to the rights and dignity of Indian nationals,” Gogoi said.

A US Air Force plane carrying deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday. The United States government, in its justification for the removals, reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws strictly.

“I have received a number of inquiries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can't share any details on those inquiries, but I can share, on the record, that the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a US Embassy spokesperson said.

The opposition has urged the government to take immediate diplomatic action to ensure Indian citizens are not subjected to inhumane treatment abroad. Gogoi stated that the government's continued silence “fails to reflect the values of justice, fairness, and compassion that India stands for.”

Tagore’s adjournment motion echoed similar concerns, emphasising the need for urgent intervention and accountability to prevent further incidents of mistreatment of Indian nationals in foreign nations.

(With inputs from ANI)