The ongoing process of deporting Indian nationals from the United States continues, and recently, US military planes have been landing at Amritsar International Airport. On Saturday night, one such plane landed at midnight with 116 Indians, including 87 young people from Punjab. Several of them spoke to an Indian TV Channel, TV9 Bharatvarsh about the harrowing experiences they endured during their detention and deportation process.

Abusive Treatment at Detention Centers

One of the deported youths, Jitendra Singh, a 23-year-old from Bandala village in Amritsar, shared his painful experience. He described being shackled both on the plane and during his time in the US detention center. According to Jitendra, their hands and feet were bound, and they were subjected to physical abuse even when going to the bathroom. He recalled that they were taken to the bathroom by holding their collars, and throughout the journey, they were only given packets of chips and a juice drink to eat.

Jitendra’s journey to America began with hopes for a better future. He took a loan of 40 lakh rupees to travel, but the agents who promised a legal entry deceived him, sending him through dangerous routes. Jitendra crossed the US border via Panama, but things took a dark turn once he arrived in the US. During his 15-day stay in a detention center, he and others were treated poorly, deprived of proper food, and were constantly woken up at night for various reasons, including cleaning. He shared that the treatment was degrading, and they were provided only chips, water, and juice.

Harpreet Singh’s Family Struggles

Another heart-wrenching story is that of 21-year-old Harpreet Singh, a resident of Ghanshyampur village in Amritsar. His father, Diler Singh, has been bedridden for 20 years, suffering from a debilitating illness. The family believed that Harpreet’s trip to America would change their lives and improve their financial condition. However, Harpreet fell victim to a similar deceptive scheme by agents who promised a legal route but instead made him travel through dangerous paths.

Harpreet first went to Italy under the false pretense that he would be sent to America legally, but later, he was forced to cross the US border from Mexico, traveling through the jungles of Guatemala. Harpreet’s parents were blackmailed by the agents, who demanded an additional 15-20 lakh rupees, or they would not let Harpreet proceed further. Despite this, the family borrowed money from relatives and sold personal jewelry to pay the agents.

Harpreet’s Ordeal During Deportation

When Harpreet was deported, he didn’t even know he was being sent back to India until he boarded the plane. He described the painful 24-hour journey on the plane, where he was shackled and unable to sit properly. He was treated very poorly, with no food or comfort during the flight. The detention center conditions were no better. Harpreet recalled that he was given only chips, apples, and juice while he was detained. In the freezing cold of January, he was kept in an air-conditioned room with minimal clothing.

He also mentioned that women and children, including Sikh youth, were treated in a similarly degrading manner, with their hands and feet shackled, and their turbans disrespected. Harpreet concluded that he would never again think about going abroad, and he urged the Indian government to provide employment opportunities to youth like him, so they would not fall prey to such deception.

Saurav’s Shattered Dreams

Another young deportee, Saurav, a resident of Chandi Wala village in Ferozepur, shared his story. Saurav left India on January 4, hoping for a better future in the US. He traveled through several countries, including Mexico, before arriving in the US, where he was detained. Saurav’s father took out a loan, sold land, and invested 45 lakh rupees to send his son to America. However, like the others, Saurav was deceived by agents and had to endure the grueling journey through dangerous routes.

Upon his deportation, Saurav was shackled, and like the others, he experienced severe discomfort. His dreams of a better life in the US were shattered, and now he faces the painful reality of returning home empty-handed.

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