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Folks trying to suggest the story Prabhjit Singh did for @thewire_in on the harassment of Gujjars in Hoshiarpur, Punjab is "fake news", please see the videos we have posted of lathi wielding folks in this story! This was shot with actors in a studio?! https://thewire.in/rights/punjab-muslims-gujjar-families-beaten-and-boycotted-in-hoshiarpur-villages 1/8
Story quotes local cops admitting there was a problem because people spread fake news of Gujjars causing corona. Isn't it convenient that the same scummy propaganda ecosystem generating false scares about Gujjars now rushes to brand reports on the Gujjars' plight as 'fake'! 2/8
The TOI reporter @ipsinghTOI carried a similar report. He quotes Hoshiarpur deputy commissioner Apneet Riyait warning that admin would take tough action against those discriminating on the basis of religion. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/muslim-gujjars-targeted-in-hoshiarpur-dc-issues-warning/articleshow/75039388.cms 3/8
In case Bhakts say TOI report is also "fake news", here is an audio recording of the local SHO where the Gujjars had been harassed and chased away telling all Village Police Stations to ensure local Gujjars are not stopped from selling milk. https://chirb.it/F813J9 4/8
In Prabhjit's 2nd story, DC Riyait is quoted acknowledging the problem. A cop now saying 'fake news' is also quoted—“People were having apprehensions and did not allow the Gujjars to sell their milk”. But he had no answer for why a case was not filed! https://thewire.in/communalism/punjab-muslims-families-hide-in-riverbed-after-being-driven-from-hoshiarpur-villages 5/8
Prabhjit met the Gujjar families today. They confirmed on camera what happened to them, how they were forcibly stopped from selling milk, how they are now stuck in a riverbed, unable to move. But the good news is police are now protecting them and helped them with rations. 6/8
They said they are now able to sell their milk to the state cooperative, and some families have started buying their milk. But sadly, many still do not. Prabhjit will be filing this story in @thewire_in soon. 7/8
Bottom line: Villagers in certain Hoshiarpur areas who fell prey to communal propaganda DID physically prevent Gujjars from selling milk. There was nothing "fake" about the news. If only those crying "fake" helped fight actual fakery, the media and cops jobs would be easier. 8/8
