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Khaps, women activists from Haryana to join wrestlers’ protest in Delhi today
Wrestlers have levelled sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and sought support from khap leaders.
Several khaps of Haryana, women organisations and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha leaders on Thursday announced to join the wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The wrestlers have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and sought support from khap leaders.
Om Prakash Kandela, who heads Jind’s famous Kandela Khap, said the wrestlers belong to the entire nation and a ‘pehalwan’ has no caste, no religion and no region.
“For the sake of our daughters and their future, we will reach Delhi on Friday and join the wrestlers’ protest. The khaps have always supported sportspersons and we will sit with them until a first information report (FIR) is registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan,” he said.
“Earlier, Haryana minister Sandeep Singh was booked in a sexual harassment case and the state government tried to protect him. Same is being done in the case of Brij Bhushan, who enjoys support of the central government. Why an FIR was not registered?” he asked.
Balwant Nambardar, head of Phogat Khap, said the khaps of Haryana will reach Delhi in large numbers and stay with the wrestlers.
“We have supported our children and we have faith in them. They brought laurels to the nation by winning medals at the international podium. The wrestlers were forced to sit on a dharna. Seeing the seriousness of allegations, the WFI chief should tender his resignation and face the probe. We have high hopes from the Supreme Court,” he added.
Abhimanyu Kuhar, a leader of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, said they have called a meeting on Friday and will extend support to protesters.
“The wrestlers had supported us during the farm agitation and now, the farming community is standing in solidarity with them,” he added.
Hundreds of women activists, meanwhile, gathered in Rohtak and protested against the central government.
Former national player and activist Jagmati Sangwan said there is a need to bring provisions for women’s safety in sports.
“Incidents of sexual harassment by powerful people have come to the fore and it is becoming tougher for women to continue in their fields,” she claimed.
