Khalistani Exposed.
Amidst the on-going farmer protest against the three farm laws, there have been a lot political chaos in the country. Various unfortunate incidents have been continuously taking place in the capital city of India. Specifically, on 26 January 2021, Republic Day of India, a splurge of hashtags trended on twitter due to unprecedented events like tractor rally, riot and violent attacks, unknown flag hoist and many more.
During the farmer’s protest, the hashtag ‘Khalistani Exposed’ reached up to thousands and lacs of people on twitter. Let us know what was the reason behind this controversial term.
On Republic day, Delhi witnessed violence after farmers broke police barricades in several areas and stormed the wall of iconic Red Fort hoisting their own flag at the stage and raised slogans. Tear gas and flash bangs could be seen in some video clips from city’s streets as police moved to contain large crowds of protestors in tractors and on foot breaking through barricades. Both police and protestors were seen with large sticks (lathis) in the street.
One protestor, 30 years old Navreet Singh died in the protest due to the overturning of tractor near Delhi Police Headquarters, said Sanjay Bhatia, deputy commissioner of police.
Police also said that total 86 police were injured due to the violent protests while 22 FIRs were registered against the protesters for violation of lawful directions, rioting, damaging public property and other.
Later, some social media posts claimed that the protestors hoisted the Khalistani flag, after which social media like facebook, twitter, etc flooded with hateful comments with the hashtag Khalistani Exposed with their strategical move. However, farmer leaders made it clear in their statements that there was no Khalistani Flag waved on iconic Red Fort. The protestors carried a Sikh Flag called Nishan Sahib that is found in every Gurdwara and other religious occasions.
Further, some social media posts also claimed that the Indian Tricolour Flag was also replaced by Khalistani Flag by the protestors. But AltNews fact checked it and found the claim false.
The unfortunate violence and riots created a panic amongst farmers as well as police officials. The protests took a violent turn that day. But later, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) called off Kisan Republic Day parade with immediate effect on 27 January morning. It also announced that the further protests will go on but peacefully.
So far, the government has held 11 rounds of talk with leaders of more than 30 farmer unions that opposed the laws- but the talks did not come at a conclusion.
In early February, the Supreme Court of India issued an order putting the three farm laws on hold and ordered the formation of four members committee to help with the negotiation. But farmers have rejected any court appointed mediation committee.
-Siddhi Mahatole
