Indian Youth Congress Protests Deportees' Treatment by the US

The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a large-scale protest in New Delhi, condemning the alleged inhumane treatment of Indian deportees by U.S. authorities. The protest, held outside the United States Embassy, saw participation from several IYC members, activists, and affected families, demanding accountability for the reported mistreatment of deported Indian nationals.

Background of the Protest

The protest was triggered by reports that a group of Indian deportees, who were sent back from the United States, faced harsh and degrading conditions during their deportation process. According to accounts from deportees and advocacy groups, individuals were:

Handcuffed and shackled for long hours, restricting their movement.
Denied access to basic hygiene and restroom facilities during transit.
Subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation by U.S. immigration officers.
Forced to remain in uncomfortable positions for extended periods, causing physical and emotional distress.

The issue gained traction after videos and images of the deported individuals surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage. Families of some deportees also spoke to the media, detailing the trauma their relatives endured. According to MSN News.

Indian Youth Congress Takes the Lead

Led by IYC President Srinivas B.V., the youth wing of the Indian National Congress launched a vocal protest against both the U.S. administration and the Indian government for allegedly failing to protect its citizens abroad.

During the protest, demonstrators burned effigies of U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of negligence and complicity. Protesters held placards reading “Stop Human Rights Violations,” “Deportees Deserve Dignity,” and “Modi Government is Silent,” calling for urgent action. According to The New York Times.

Key Demands of the Protesters

The Indian Youth Congress outlined three key demands in response to the situation:

An official explanation from the U.S. government regarding the treatment of Indian deportees and an assurance that such practices will be stopped.
A formal response from the Indian government on what steps are being taken to protect Indian migrants facing deportation.
A diplomatic discussion between India and the U.S. to ensure humane deportation procedures and fair treatment of all individuals. According to BBC.

Clashes with Police and Arrests

As the protest intensified, Delhi Police set up barricades near the U.S. Embassy to prevent demonstrators from advancing. However, some protestors attempted to break through the barriers, leading to a brief clash with law enforcement. Several IYC members were detained by the police and later released. According to Times of India.

Speaking to the media, IYC President Srinivas B.V. stated:

“This is a serious violation of human rights. Indian deportees are being treated like criminals, shackled, and humiliated. The Modi government is completely silent, failing to protect our people. We will continue this fight until justice is served.” According to The Hindu.

Government and Diplomatic Reactions

While there has been no immediate response from the U.S. Embassy in India, sources indicate that U.S. immigration authorities may release a statement addressing the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged receiving complaints and has assured the public that diplomatic channels are being used to raise concerns about the treatment of deportees. However, opposition parties and rights activists have criticized the Indian government for what they see as a lack of urgency in addressing the issue. According to Indian Express.

Ongoing Controversy

The issue of deportations of Indian nationals from the U.S. has been a contentious one, especially amid rising migration attempts via illegal routes. In recent years, thousands of Indian citizens, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, have sought to enter the U.S. illegally, often falling prey to human trafficking networks. Many have been detained and subsequently deported.

The latest protest by the Indian Youth Congress highlights growing concerns over human rights violations in deportation proceedings and pressures both governments to take concrete action.

As the situation unfolds, rights organizations and opposition leaders continue to push for a more humane and transparent process for Indian deportees facing expulsion from the United States. According to BBC.