Will Fight Till Protesting Wrestlers Get Justice: Farmers After Mahapanchayat

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has announced that the fate of the ongoing wrestlers' protest will be determined at a meeting in Haryana scheduled for tomorrow. The farmers and khaps (caste councils) of Haryana have shown their unwavering support for the wrestlers, and the focus now lies on devising a strategy to pursue their demands.

Speaking at a massive gathering in Muzaffarnagar, Tikait assured the wrestlers that every effort would be made to resolve the issue. "If needed, we will approach the President of India... Rest assured, we stand with you," he said.

During his speech, Tikait said that he had dissuaded the wrestlers from casting their hard-earned medals into the Ganga River on Monday, suggesting instead that they consider auctioning them off. He expressed confidence that the global community would rally behind them and urge them to halt the auction.

Explaining the reasons for farmers and khaps lending support to the wrestlers, Tikait emphasized the importance of unity. "It's good to have a strong and united family," he remarked, highlighting the alleged attempts by the central government to fracture influential political families in various states.

The 'mahapanchayat' was called by BKU leader Naresh Tikait on Wednesday, a day after he and other farmer leaders managed to dissuade some of India's top wrestlers from throwing their medals in the Ganga river to protest police inaction against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief in two cases of sexual harassment.

Tikait is the head of Balyan khap. The 'mahapanchayat' is being attended by khap leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. The 'mahapanchayat' will pass a resolution at the end of the meeting.

On Tuesday, Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat went to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar along with their supporters to throw their medals in the Ganga. However, they relented after khap and farmer leaders sought five days' time to address their grievances

The wrestlers have been engaged in a battle since January, demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), whom they have accused of sexually harassing seven athletes, including a minor.

The Delhi Police has filed two FIRs against Singh. While the first FIR relates to allegations by a minor wrestler and has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the second is related to outraging modesty.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a BJP MP, has stated that he would accept any punishment if the allegations against him were proven. He further asserted, "If a single allegation against me is proven, I will hang myself. If you (wrestlers) have any evidence, present it to the Court, and I am ready to accept any punishment."

The government, in its first response to the matter, cautioned the wrestlers against hasty actions and advised them to await the conclusion of the police investigation. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, addressing the issue yesterday, stated, "I urge the athletes to await the completion of the Delhi Police's investigation. The Delhi Police has informed the Supreme Court and lodged a First Information Report (FIR). Until the investigation is finalized, please refrain from taking any step that could harm the sport and the athletes."

As tensions continue to escalate, all eyes are now set on the crucial meeting in Haryana, where the final decision on the wrestlers' protest will be made, determining the path forward in their pursuit of justice.