Multiple farmer unions announced a protest rally to support CISF Constable Kulvinder Kaur, who allegedly slapped BJP MP-elect Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh Airport on Thursday, PTI reported. The protest, named the "Insaaf March," will take place in Punjab's Mohali on June 9. The farmers demanded no undue action against Kaur and called for a proper investigation into the incident.
"We will demand a proper investigation and ensure no injustice with the woman constable," said Jagjit Singh Dallewal during a press conference today. He stated that the march to the Senior Superintendent of Police's office in Mohali would highlight their demands.
Karu's brother, Sher Singh, a farmer leader and the organisation secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, is also involved in the protest plans, as per the PTI report.
'Ready To Lose Thousands Of Such Jobs': Kulvinder Kaur
Kulvinder Kaur, an airport security official, was suspended and booked after she allegedly slapped actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. The incident occurred on Thursday while Ranaut was waiting to board a Delhi flight. Kaur accused Ranaut of "disrespecting farmers".
Following the incident, Kaur, a CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) Constable, was suspended, and an inquiry was initiated. Kaur struck a defiant tone on social media, posting on X, "I am not afraid of losing this job... I am ready to lose thousands of such jobs for my mother's respect".
However, ABP Live could not independently verify the authenticity of the X handle, and cannot claim if the said post belongs to the CISF personnel who slapped newly-elect Kangana Ranaut.
Check Out The Post Here
Singer Vishal Dadlani Offers To Support Kaur
Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani offered support to Kaur, promising to help her secure a job if any action was taken against her.
Dadlani expressed his support on Instagram, stating, "If any action is taken against her by the CISF, I will ensure that she has a job waiting for her should she choose to accept it".
Background Of Slapgate Incident
The altercation stemmed from a 2020 remark by Ranaut about protests against the Modi government's farm laws, which led to a nationwide agitation. "She (Ranaut) gave a statement...farmers are sitting for Rs 100. Will she go and sit? My mother was sitting and protesting when she said this..." Kaur said.
A viral clip showed Ranaut escorted to a check-in counter where the altercation with Kaur took place. The video did not show the alleged slap.
Initially silent, Ranaut later commented on the incident, expressing concern over the "rising terrorism in Punjab". She claimed, "The incident happened at the security check-in. The woman guard waited for me to cross. She then came and hit me... started throwing expletives. I asked (her) why she hit me. She said, 'I supported farmers'. I am safe... but my concern is terrorism is rising in Punjab. How do we handle that?"
Kaur was referring to a controversial tweet by Ranaut in 202, in which she claimed an elderly woman at protests was "available for Rs 100". Ranaut deleted the tweet following public outrage.
The farmers' protest of 2020/21, which saw large-scale agitation and significant political impact, continued to make headlines. Ranaut's convoy was previously blocked by protestors while campaigning in Chandigarh.
Earlier today, farmers groups, including the non-political wing of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, expressed support for Kaur and demanded a thorough investigation. "We demand a proper investigation... there should be no injustice with the woman constable," said Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the SKM (non-political) leader, citing unconfirmed reports that Kaur had asked to examine Ranaut's handbag and mobile phone before the flight.
"Everyone knows the track record of Ranaut and the kind of language she has used towards farmers. There must have been an argument which led to the incident. A proper investigation is needed," Dallewal added.
Ranaut previously responded to international criticism of the BJP government over the farmers' protest, notably calling the protestors "terrorists" in response to a tweet by pop star Rihanna. Ranaut later deleted that post as well.