Gurdaspur Youths Forced into Violence While Migrating Illegally

Gurdaspur cousins Harjit and Harjot Singh recount their traumatic experience of being deported from the US after enduring violence and coercion while attempting to migrate illegally through dangerous routes. They sold their family assets to pay an agent for passage but faced severe abuse during their journey and time in detention.

Two cousins from Gurdaspur, Harjit and Harjot Singh, were deported from the United States after a harrowing journey that involved illegal border crossings. Harjit reported that, upon their arrival in Panama, they were assaulted by mafia members who forced them at gunpoint to comply with their demands. The cousins had initially traveled from India through the perilous ‘donkey route’ after spending a significant amount of money to secure passage via an agent.

Harjit reflected on their ordeal during their stay in the Panama jungles, saying, “I was beaten up and tortured in the detention camp in the US.” They had sold their family assets—including agricultural land and a residential property—to fund their migration attempt, paying ₹90 lakh to an agent residing in the US. The entirety of their migration experience was marred by violence, exploitation, and severe emotional trauma.

The duo detailed their extensive journey, which started on October 13 of last year and saw them cross the US border on January 27. They first flew to Guyana before attempting the dangerous land route through Panama. Harjot is said to be in a state of shock and has withdrawn from social interactions since their return to India.

The experiences of Harjit and Harjot Singh highlight the dangers associated with illegal migration and the financial exploitation vulnerable individuals face. Their story reveals the traumatic realities that can come from seeking a better life abroad and underscores the need for awareness about the risks involved in using smugglers to traverse dangerous routes. Such narratives can inform policy discussions and humanitarian responses to immigration issues.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com