Bishnoi Community Protests Against Saleem Khan's Statement

In Jaipur, India, members of the Bishnoi community have taken to the streets to protest after Saleem Khan, father of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, declared that his son is innocent regarding past accusations of blackbuck hunting. The protest escalated with effigies of both Salman and Saleem Khan being burned.

Background of the Protest

The controversy ignited following an interview in which Saleem Khan responded to longstanding allegations against his son related to the illegal hunting of blackbucks. In his statement, he asserted, "Salman Khan is innocent; he can never hurt any animal." This remark sparked outrage among the Bishnoi community, who view blackbucks as sacred and are staunch advocates for animal rights.

Statements from the Bishnoi Community

Protesters voiced their grievances, stating, "We are Bishnois; we don’t defame anyone like that. When the case was registered 26 years ago, many dignitaries, including MLAs from our community, were misled by Salim Khan’s false statements." They expressed that they felt hurt and misrepresented by the recent comments and vowed to continue their fight for justice in the blackbuck case.

Historical Context of the Blackbuck Case

The allegations against Salman Khan date back to 1998 when he was accused of poaching two blackbucks in Rajasthan while filming "Hum Saath Saath Hain." Alongside him, actors Saif Ali Khan and Tabu were also implicated. This incident marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community, who are known for their vegetarian lifestyle and deep reverence for wildlife.

Over the years, Salman Khan has faced multiple legal challenges related to this case. Despite being acquitted in 2016, he was sentenced to five years in jail in 2018, although he was granted bail shortly after. The continuous reopening and closing of the case have fueled ongoing tensions.

Reactions and Ongoing Tensions

The Bishnoi community remains firm in their stance against Salman Khan, with Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang issuing threats against the actor. The gang has publicly demanded an apology from Salman and his family, believing that his statements and actions have emotionally manipulated them.

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Conclusion

The protest by the Bishnoi community underscores the deep-rooted tensions surrounding the blackbuck hunting allegations against Salman Khan. As the community continues to voice their grievances, the situation highlights broader issues of wildlife conservation and cultural values in India. With the ongoing demand for accountability and respect, the conflict between the Bishnoi community and Salman Khan remains far from resolved.