Observing the passing of one whole month since some of the most prolific wrestlers of our country launched a protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who is the Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, a march was held that traveled from Jantar Mantar to the Kartavya Path. Supporters showed up in throngs as over 1000 people marched with the Indian flag and candles towards India Gate.
Spearheaded by award-winning wrestlers of our nation including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia among others, the protest calls for the arrest of Brij Bhushan, who apart from leading the WFI is also a BJP Lok Sabha MP who has a string to sexual assault charges against him. Bhushan has been accused of sexual misconduct by seven female wrestlers, one of whom is a minor.
Although two FIRs have been filed against him regarding the case, one of which is under POCSO, there has been an absence of any stern action against him, let alone the desired arrest.
Source: Mint
The current protests mark the second phase of the wrestlers protesting as they had conducted a similar demonstration back in January for the same demands Then, they were dissuaded from rallying with the help of promises of strict and quick action. But alas, the government did not uphold its promise as they merely set up an advisory committee to investigate the matter which led to no concrete results. Thus, the wrestlers resorted to filing a complaint in the Supreme Court and resuming their protests on 23rd April.
Around 5 pm on Tuesday, the hoards of allies, overseen by more than 500 military personnel displayed their solidarity towards the wrestlers and their cause by chanting slogans such as “ Betiyon tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare sath hain” and “Lade Chalo”.
As police personnel themselves assisted people in lighting candles, one of the protestors observed, “The entire country is with the protesters – except the government,” The wrestlers have received unparalleled support from the farming community and khap panchayats who mobilized in huge numbers to show support.
The chaps have even decided to hold a maha panchayat near the new Parliament building on 28th May led by women and youth who will lay down a strategy as to how to proceed with the agitations.
Apart from this, the purpose of this panchayat is to also inspire more women across the country to support the wrestlers’ wants. Commuters were asked to steer clear of the C-hexagon and Mansingh Road as traffic congestion was experienced on roads leading to central Delhi.
Source: The Indian Express
The protest comes at a very crucial time for both India and the wrestlers as the World Championships and Asian Games are a mere three months away. The protest is led by some of the country’s most accomplished wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat.
The first Indian woman to earn a gold medal for India in both the Commonwealth and Asian Games and Olympic Bronze Medallist Sakshi Malik amongst numerous others. This pivotal time, which the sportsmen could have been dedicated to training and honing their skills, is instead spent waiting and beckoning for justice.
The situation for the Indian sports community may be made or broken by how the government responds to the wrestler’s demands. India’s hopes of winning the upcoming championships could be wrecked if the government does nothing.
