NEW DELHI: Protesting the „inaction” against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij, protesting wrestlers on Saturday warned that a „major decision” that is „not in the interest of the country” may be taken on Sunday. Bhushan Charan Singh was accused of sexually harassing the women catchers.
The wrestlers have set a deadline of Sunday for the Kap Mahapanchayat to decide on whether to take the strike forward.
Wrestlers have been protesting at Jandar Mantar since April 23 demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan, who is accused of sexually harassing seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat said the decision by the cops could affect the country like the 13-month-long farmers’ struggle.
„The decision taken by our elders (on Sunday) may be big, it may not be in the interest of the country. It may affect the nation,” Vinesh said at a press conference at Jandar Mandar.
He said it was not an easy fight and the wrestlers also suffered a lot due to missing training and competition.
„We also suffered a lot, an issue that could be solved in a minute took a month… The farmers’ strike lasted for 13 months and definitely hurt the nation, so if another strike (like that) takes place, the country will definitely suffer,” Vinesh warned.
Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia said a candlelight vigil is planned at India Gate on Tuesday.
Bajrang said they will hold a candlelight vigil at India Gate on May 23 at 4 pm.
„Be it mosque, temple, gurudwara, church we will take our message of justice everywhere,” added Vinesh.
Asked if the wrestlers missed an opportunity by not marching to the Arun Jaitley Stadium where the IPL match between Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals will take place, Vinesh said, “We are doing our best and will continue to do so. So (to create awareness).
„We are so busy with our protest at Jandar Mandar that we don’t know what is happening in other sports. We are completely disconnected from other sports. After about half an hour we know that a (IPL) match is happening… We can definitely think along those lines,” he said. Vinesh added.
Vinesh said that on a day when there was no regular weekend gathering at the protest site, a government that could not ensure respect for women should not be celebrating 75 years of independence.
„We are celebrating 75 years of independence and they (the government) should not celebrate it because they have not been able to respect women,” he added.