farmer-groups-back-cisf-constable-in-ranaut-row

Several farmer outfits have thrown their support behind the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) woman constable allegedly involved in a confrontation with Bollywood actor and BJP MP-elect Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport.

The farmers' union have decided to hold protest across Punjab condemning the arrest of the CISF constable on June 9.

 

The incident has sparked a demand for a thorough investigation into the sequence of events leading to the clash.

 

Ranaut, elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, claimed in a video message that she was slapped and verbally abused by the constable during a security check.

 

The altercation occurred just days after her electoral victory.

 

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are among the prominent farmer outfits supporting the constable, expressing the need for a fair inquiry into the matter.

 

The constable, reportedly upset over Ranaut's stance on the farmers' protests, has been suspended pending investigation.

 

The CISF has initiated a court of inquiry into the incident.

 

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a leader of SKM (Non-Political), along with Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's Sarwan Singh Pandher, announced their intention to meet Punjab's Director General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation.

 

"We demand a proper investigation to ensure justice for the constable," said Dallewal during a press conference, highlighting their plans for an "Insaaf march" to demand justice for the constable.

 

In a video statement titled "Shocking rise in terror and violence in Punjab" posted after the incident, Ranaut expressed her safety concerns and criticized the increasing extremism in Punjab.

 

Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media purportedly shows the constable expressing her disagreement with Ranaut's earlier comments on farmer protests.

 

The constable's brother, who is associated with farmer movements, expressed his dismay over the incident, stating that his sister had been in service for 15 years.

 

Farmer leaders criticised Ranaut for her past comments against farmers, elderly women, and Punjabis, alleging that she had hurt sentiments.

 

Dallewal condemned Ranaut's remarks on terrorism and extremism in Punjab, calling for legal action against her.

 

The farmer leaders emphasised the need for a fair investigation into the incident, suggesting that Ranaut's history of controversial statements might have led to the confrontation.

 

They claimed that recent electoral defeats of BJP candidates in rural areas indicate public discontent, particularly in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

 

According to Dallewal, the use of force against farmers during protests has led to widespread resentment, reflected in the election results.