Picture Credit: Twitter
On a hot May 23, wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India Chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi held a candle march at India Gate, marking one month of their agitation. The march witnessed people from all walks of life coming to support the wrestlers. Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with two-time world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, along with 1,500 people, including members of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), All India Mahila Congress, Bhim Army, and several student organisations walked in the blistering heat of Delhi from Jantar Mantar to India Gate.
The marchers took around 90 minutes to cover the stretch of 2.5 km before they lit candles at India Gate. The numbers of marchers swelled, increasing the chances of a stampede. Meanwhile, Malik, Punia and Phogat climbed up a barricade and thanked the supporters for maintaining peace throughout the march. Addressing the crowd, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic medallist said, “Our protest has completed a month and I’d like to thank all our supporters who have stood by us. I’d like to tell you that we are ready to give our lives to get justice for these girls.” Joining him, Phogat said, “It is not our fight alone. We are fighting for every woman who faces harassment in this country. I'd urge everyone to join us in our fight for justice.” After the march, Punia lauded the protestors and said, “We would like to commend our supporters for maintaining peace and order. The fight will continue as long as we don't get justice.”
As the march ended, wrestlers reiterated their decision to attend the Mahila Mahapanchayat on May 28 outside the new Parliament building, the day it will be inaugurated. Punia added, “We will reach there at 11 am. Women will be at the forefront of the peaceful protest and will be supported by youth groups and members from khaps. We will frame the course of the protest there.”