Summary:
The arrest of a CISF constable, Kulwinder Kaur, for allegedly slapping Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport highlights tensions surrounding the farmers’ protests. The altercation stemmed from Ranaut’s past remarks, and while a video captures part of the incident, it doesn’t show the alleged slap. Ranaut recounted the incident on social media, expressing concerns over rising terrorism in Punjab. Ranaut’s previous controversial comments on the protests have fueled tensions, underscoring the divisive nature of the issue. The incident serves as a reminder of the volatile socio-political climate surrounding the protests.
A startling incident unfolded at the Chandigarh airport as Kangana Ranaut, the renowned actor and newly-elected Mandi MP, found herself at the receiving end of an alleged assault by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable. The constable in question, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, has been apprehended following the incident.
Reports suggest that the altercation stemmed from a simmering discontent triggered by a past statement made by Ms. Ranaut regarding the ongoing farmers’ agitation. In a social media post during the peak of the nationwide protests against the farm laws in 2020, Ms. Ranaut had sparked controversy by insinuating that some protestors were paid a mere ₹100 to participate in the demonstrations. This incendiary remark had drawn widespread criticism, leading to its eventual deletion by the actor.
The confrontation at the airport, captured partially in a video circulating online, depicts Ms. Ranaut being escorted through the security checkpoint before a heated argument ensues, culminating in her being escorted away from the scene. However, the video fails to capture the alleged physical altercation between Ms. Ranaut and Constable Kaur.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ms. Ranaut took to social media platform X to recount her version of events. According to her, the security personnel waited for her to pass through the checkpoint before accosting her and launching into a verbal tirade. Ms. Ranaut claims to have been struck by Constable Kaur, who purportedly invoked her support for the farmers’ cause as justification for her actions. Additionally, Ms. Ranaut expressed concerns over the rising specter of terrorism in Punjab, highlighting broader security issues.
This altercation is not the first instance where Ms. Ranaut’s remarks have courted controversy regarding the farmers’ protests. In response to a tweet by international pop icon Rihanna drawing attention to the protests, Ms. Ranaut had branded the protestors as “terrorists” and accused them of attempting to destabilize India. These remarks, along with others disparaging the legitimacy of the agitation, have fueled tensions and drawn criticism.
The farmers’ protests, which gained momentum in 2020 and extended into 2021, captured global attention and sparked a nationwide debate. Ms. Ranaut’s vocal opposition to the protests, coupled with her inflammatory rhetoric, has further polarized public opinion.
As investigations into the incident continue, it underscores the volatile nature of public discourse surrounding sensitive issues such as the farmers’ protests. The arrest of Constable Kaur serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked confrontations in an already contentious socio-political landscape.
