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A tense standoff unfolded in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur, where a planned protest against actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut's controversial remarks on farmers escalated into a physical altercation between police and protesters. Members of the Joint Kisan Morcha of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lokhit) had intended to burn an effigy of Ranaut as a demonstration against her statements, which they deemed offensive and insensitive towards the farming community. However, the protest quickly devolved into chaos when police personnel intervened, snatching the effigy from the protesters' vehicle, igniting a heated tug-of-war between the two sides.
The incident, captured on video, showcases the escalating tension as police officers, wielding lathis, surrounded the protesters. One officer is seen pushing a protester, while another officer successfully seizes the effigy and flees the scene. This act of forceful seizure sparked outrage among the protesters, who then initiated a sit-in demonstration, demanding the return of the effigy. The protest, coupled with the police presence, resulted in a substantial traffic jam on the Delhi-Lucknow highway in Hapur, further highlighting the disruption caused by the conflict.
Harish Hoon, national spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union Lokhit, stated that the union's intention was to burn the effigy peacefully. He criticized the police's actions, stating that they could have confiscated the effigy from the protesters' hands instead of resorting to a forceful seizure. Hoon emphasized the union's belief in the rule of law and the Constitution, and declared that they would continue their sit-in protest until the effigy was returned. Furthermore, the union demanded that a criminal case be registered against Ranaut for her allegedly offensive remarks.
Ranaut, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been known for her outspoken and often provocative stances, which have frequently attracted controversy. Her recent comments on the farmers' protests, which had led to the repeal of three farm laws, sparked widespread criticism, including from within her own party. The BJP leadership issued a reprimand to Ranaut, stating that her comments do not represent the party's stance and directing her to refrain from making similar statements in the future. This rebuke followed Ranaut's controversial suggestion that the farmers' protests could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India had the government not taken decisive action.
The incident in Hapur underscores the deep divisions and tensions surrounding the farmers' protests, which have been a major political issue in India. The confrontation between farmers and the police, fueled by Ranaut's controversial remarks, further highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for escalation when political rhetoric clashes with public sentiment.
Source: Video: Tug-Of-War Between Protesters, UP Cops Over Kangana Ranaut's Effigy