Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Lakhimpur-Kheri violence.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was detained on her way to the violence-hit Lakhimpur Kheri after farmers protested, has described the police action against her as a ‘kidnapping’.
In a special conversation with India TV, Priyanka Gandhi said that the police did not have any papers or warrants, despite this she was taken into custody. Criticizing the action of UP Police, Priyanka Gandhi used strong words saying that she would call it a ‘kidnapping’.
Describing the scene ahead, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Police came and said section 144 is in force so you can’t proceed. We said there are 5 people and there is no violation of section 144. When I protested, So 8-10 women surrounded me. Chained me, at that time they pushed me a bit, were not allowing me to walk, dragged my colleague Deependra Hooda in the car and also punched one of the companions. My anger was because Because you have no legal basis…”
He continued and said, “I interrogated them (police) again, and asked that you have no legal order to arrest me… you can be charged with kidnapping, if you arrest me.” If yes then I will walk with you quietly.. then they told me that I am being arrested under section 151. They made me sit in jeep with 4 policemen, no one was with me. I was taken to Sitapur PAC… “
Priyanka Gandhi said, “I had only one demand that I want to go there (to express my condolences to the victims of Lakhimpur violence), these people (UP administration) have taken all this action to stop me from going there, But till the time I meet the families of the victims, there is no question of me going back. The incident has happened and that is the main issue, my arrest is not a big issue. The issue is that the ‘Annadata’ (farmers) of the country should be given It is being harassed. For a year, because of whose hard work this country has been made, whose sons are fighting on the border…”
What happened today
Other Congress leaders accompanying him, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Deepender Hooda, had reached the Lakhimpur border in the morning but were not allowed to meet the families of farmers killed during a protest a day earlier. On their way to the violence-hit district, Congress leaders resorted to alternative routes to reach the border Hargaon area in Sitapur as heavy security was deployed on the main roads.
Priyanka’s convoy was earlier briefly stopped by Uttar Pradesh Police officials in Lucknow, where she had arrived on Sunday night, within hours of receiving information about violence during a protest against anti-agriculture laws in Lakhimpur Kheri.
read also special | Priyanka is a strong woman, won’t be afraid of government repression: Robert Vadra
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Watch full interview here:
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