6 migrants killed after Mexican soldiers open fire near Guatemala

The identities of the deceased are not clear yet, and there are no details about how many Indians were on the truck. The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to issue a statement on the incident, even as the Mexican authorities said their foreign ministry will contact corresponding embassies. However, sources say no Indian national is among those killed or injured in the incident.

The Indian embassy in Mexico issued a stern advisory just a few weeks ago in the wake of growing challenges faced by Indian citizens, including prolonged detentions and deportations at Mexico’s borders.

The advisory, issued on September 9, stated that Mexico has been following strict immigration policies and checks at the border immigration entry points. “It has come to notice…that a number of Indian nationals are facing very strict immigration checks upon their arrival in Mexico and many of them are being detained for several days at the airports and thereafter deported, resulting in immense hardships and economic loss,” it said.

During the period of detention, their mobile phones are taken away and the detained persons cannot be reached by anyone… causing further distress, the Embassy had said.

The location where the incident occurred is a common route for migrants.

Tapachula, by the Guatemalan border, is an entry point into Mexico for many migrants making the journey towards the US. Both Mexico and the US have begun imposing stricter immigration controls in response to growing migration.