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Hindutva leader warns of repeat of 'Jaffrabad' to clear farmers' protests

Tiwari warned if government did not clear the stir, she would do so on December 17

ragini tiwari farmers A collage showing protesting farmers (Arvind Jain) and Ragini Tiwari (via Twitter)

A video by Hindutva ideologue Ragini Tiwari, who became infamous during the Delhi riots in February, went viral over the weekend.

In the video, Ragini Tiwari, who is also known as Janaki Behen, warned that the farmers’ protests blocking Delhi's borders would have to be cleared by December 16.

In the video, Ragini Tiwari said, "Farmers’ protests participants are demanding release of traitors like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. They are supporting traitors... we will not close our eyes to such conspiracy."

"The Chhatt Puja was stopped citing coronavirus... but is not coronavirus present during farmers' protests?" Ragini Tiwari asked.

"If government does not clear farmers' protests by [December] 16, then on 17, Jaffrabad will happen again... Ragini Tiwari will again clear the road and end the protest," she declared. Tiwari was referring to her participation in clearing a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at the Jaffrabad Metro Station in Delhi in February, an incident that was cited as a factor precipitating the Delhi riots that left over 50 people dead.

Ragini Tiwari declared that the "Centre, Delhi government and Delhi Police" would be responsible for whatever happens. Ragini Tiwari exhorted members of her organisation, the Janaki Dham, to join her.

Multiple social media users shared the video of Ragini Tiwari and tagged the Delhi Police. In response to these posts, the DCP of North-East Delhi tweeted on Sunday, "SHO/Jaffrabad has been directed to take necessary action." Ragini Tiwari has been accused of participating in and inciting violence in the Delhi riots.

In an interview to The Quint, which was published on Monday, Ragini Tiwari boasted she had emptied the roads at the Jaffrabad Metro Station.

"Yes I did that, there should be no doubts about it. I am the one who ensured the roads were emptied through several displays. We said that we will not move from this side of the road, until they (anti-CAA protesters) do not move from the other side," Tiwari told The Quint.

However, she emphasised she acted only after the Delhi Police did and declared she was not a rioter.

Referring to her plans for December 17, Ragini Tiwari declared, "Yes, we will block the road. Where, you will find out on December 17 only."

Ragini Tiwari told The Quint she had not been contacted by the Delhi Police over the inflammatory video about the farmers' protests.

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