2023-05-08 14:36:32
Dozens of Indian farmers broke through police checkpoints in New Delhi on Monday to join female wrestlers protesting against the wrestling federation boss and ruling party MP, accused of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Many of the wrestlers hail from the neighboring state of Haryana, a rice-growing region where many residents make a living from farming.
Farmers mobilized at the call of one of the organizations behind the major protests against the proposed land reforms that lasted more than a year to end at the end of 2021.
Hundreds of them were present on Monday afternoon at the site of the demonstration of wrestlers and their supporters, their involvement suggesting that the movement could be long-lasting.
The athletes – including Olympic medalists and Commonwealth champions – are calling for the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chairman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also an MP for the ruling Hindu Nationalist Party.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) coalition, which brings together more than forty Indian farmers’ unions, issued a statement over the weekend condemning the Delhi police who they say deprived these athletes of their “fundamental civil rights».
The SKM also backed calls for Mr Singh’s arrest, adding that it would stage nationwide protests this week.
Last month, the Delhi police registered two complaints against Mr Singh, who contest the facts.
In a video posted to Facebook on Saturday evening, Mr Singh urged farmers to wait out the ongoing investigation, according to broadcaster NDTV. “If these children make a mistake, let them do it, but I ask, with folded hands, the elderly not to make a mistake.said Mr. Singh.
Among the protesters is Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, who in January accused coaches and the WFI president of sexually harassing athletes at national camps.
The mobilized wrestlers including 2016 Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi Malik and 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Bajrang Punia have received support from some of India’s most famous athletes.
Sania Mirza, a great retired tennis player, said it was hard for her to see the plight of her fellow athletes.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, a gold medalist at the 2021 Olympics, also called on authorities to carry out a prompt investigation for “to ensure that justice is done».
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