Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again raised concerns over the landing of illegal Indian immigrants from the US at Amritsar airport, accusing the Centre of trying to defame Punjab.

Speaking to the media in Amritsar, Mann questioned why Amritsar had been chosen as the destination for deportation flights, with the latest one expected to land on February 15, carrying 119 illegal immigrants, 67 of whom are from Punjab.

"The BJP-led Centre always discriminates against Punjab. It does not let go of any chance of defaming Punjab," Mann said, adding that the deportation of illegal immigrants is a national issue. He claimed it was part of a conspiracy to make it appear that only Punjabis are involved in illegal migration. "It is a deliberate attempt so that it appears that only Punjabis migrate illegally," he remarked.

Mann pointed out that the first deportation flight from the US also landed in Amritsar, with a significant number of deportees from Punjab. He questioned the logic behind choosing Amritsar for these deportations, asking, "Why did you choose Amritsar and not the national capital?" He accused the Centre of deliberately trying to tarnish Punjab's image and said that the government should clarify the reasons behind selecting Amritsar.

He also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the US, asking whether the Prime Minister was bringing a "gift" of deportees back to India. "They are speaking on AI and tariffs, and at the same time, the US is sending back deportees," Mann said.

Mann also criticised the media for focusing on interviews with deportees from Punjab and ignoring those from other states, such as Gujarat. "Did you see any interviews of the deportees from Gujarat on national television? Only the interviews of Punjab's youths were shown," he added.

The Chief Minister further pointed out Punjab's contribution to the nation's food security and its role in India's freedom movement. "Punjab meets the nation's food needs, we are the food bowl of India, and we gave the maximum sacrifices during the country's freedom movement," he said.