Vinesh’s warning: The decision taken by Khap for us can harm the country
Protesting wrestlers on Saturday warned that due to “government’s inaction” against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan, the khap panchayat may take a decision which may be “not in the interest of the country”. Wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for almost four weeks demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan. Brij Bhushan has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor. To take forward the movement of wrestlers, a deadline of May 21 has been fixed for the Khap Mahapanchayat.
Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat said the khap panchayat’s decision could harm the country just like the farmers’ agitation, which lasted for nearly 13 months. Vinesh told a press conference at Jantar Mantar, “The decision taken by our elders (on Sunday) can be big. It may happen that it is not in the interest of the country. This can harm the country. ”He said that it is not an easy fight and wrestlers are also not able to participate in practice and competition. They have a lot to lose.
He said, “We too have suffered a lot. What could have been resolved in a minute took a month. The farmer’s movement lasted for 13 months and definitely hurt the country, so if another movement (like this) happens then definitely the country will be harmed. Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia said he will conduct a candle-light march at India Gate on May 23 to create awareness about the plight of wrestlers. Bajrang said, “We will take out a candle march at India Gate on May 23 at 4 pm.”
“We will take our message for justice to temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches everywhere,” Vinesh said when asked whether the wrestlers missed an opportunity by not going to the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium, where Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led An IPL match is going on between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Vinesh said, “We are doing our best (to spread awareness) and will continue to do so. We are so busy with our protest at Jantar Mantar that we do not know what is happening in other sports. We are completely disconnected from other sports. About half an hour ago we came to know that an IPL match is going on here. Certainly we can think in that direction.
Vinesh said that the government should not celebrate 75 years of the country’s independence when it cannot ensure the dignity of women. “We are celebrating 75 years of independence, they (government) should not celebrate it as they are not able to ensure respect for women.
