The Lahaul and Spiti police have registered an FIR against Yashika Thakur for making derogatory remarks against residents of Lahaul and Spiti, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. The comments were posted on social media following the death of a young woman after childbirth at Regional Hospital in Kullu and subsequent protests by local residents.
Derogatory Comments on Reservation
In her social media post, Thakur claimed that members of the tribal community get jobs “through a cakewalk” and deserve no respect. She alluded to reservation benefits available to Scheduled Tribes, using derogatory language. The quota references were made because the doctor suspended in connection with the woman’s death and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) both hail from Lahaul and Spiti.
Widespread Outrage and Police Action
The comments triggered outrage among Lahaul and Spiti residents, leading to the FIR. Anuradha Rana, the Lahaul and Spiti MLA, said people were deeply upset and hurt. “Before making any comment on reservation, one should understand the historical background of ST and SC communities. Besides, one shouldn’t cross the limits of decency and make remarks that harm goodwill and harmony,” Rana stated.
Apology and Response
Thakur later posted a video apology on social media, saying she got carried away by rage over the Kullu hospital incident. However, many offended by her comments felt the apology lacked sincerity. The MLA said it was for the people to decide whether to accept it.
