Tragic Death of Punjabi Man on Illegal ‘Dunki’ Route Highlights Immigration Dangers

Gurpreet Singh, a 33-year-old man from Punjab, died of a heart attack in Guatemala while illegally attempting to reach the US via the ‘Dunki’ route. Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal met with his family and urged the public to avoid illegal migration, highlighting the dangers and financial losses associated with such journeys. Gurpreet’s brother warned others against similar decisions and called for action against unscrupulous agents exploiting vulnerable individuals.

In Amritsar, Punjab State Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal met with the familial relatives of Gurpreet Singh, aged 33, who tragically passed away from a cardiac arrest while traveling to the United States via the perilous ‘Dunki’ route through Guatemala. Mr. Dhaliwal conveyed his deep condolences and urged the public against illegal immigration, expressing concern over the plight of numerous young individuals attempting such risky journeys.

Mr. Dhaliwal further explained that Gurpreet’s journey took him through various countries, with hopes of reaching the United States. He stated, “We have a lot of youth here. In the last two or three months, we have been struggling with the situation in America” and requested families to discourage their children from pursuing illegal means of migration.

The minister also initiated measures to retrieve Gurpreet’s body. He reiterated his plea to the citizens of Punjab, stressing the dangers and illegal nature of the ‘Dunki’ route, which has led to countless financial losses, estimating that families often spend exorbitant amounts, such as Rs 36 lakh. “This is an illegal way. The way of the donkey route is illegal. Look, how much damage has been done,” he emphasized.

Gurpreet’s brother, Tara Singh, revealed that his brother, driven by aspirations of the ‘American dream’ and persuaded by an agent in Chandigarh, began his journey three months prior. He detailed that Gurpreet was promised safe passage for a significant sum but instead faced life-threatening circumstances when the agent failed to fulfill his commitments. Tara lamented, “I will give a message, don’t make such a mistake like my brother did,” urging others to heed the warnings against illegal migration.

Furthermore, Tara expressed a desire for stricter consequences against unscrupulous agents who exploit vulnerable individuals, stating that they are often deceptive in their promises and frequently employ treacherous methods of transportation for migrants. He concluded by calling on the government to assist in repatriating his brother’s remains, emphasizing the preventable tragedy of illegal immigration and the need for individuals to seek legitimate avenues for migration instead.

The tragic case of Gurpreet Singh highlights the dangers associated with illegal immigration routes, particularly the ‘Dunki’ path. Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal’s appeals reinforce the necessity for families to guide their youth away from such perilous endeavors. The heartfelt messages from Gurpreet’s family shed light on the emotional toll and financial exploitation prevalent in the migrant experience. This situation serves as a prompt for a broader discussion on legal migration alternatives and the ramifications of illegal practices.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com