Sakshi Malik affirms "protest to persist" as prominent wrestlers return to work
- In Reports
- 10:04 PM, Jun 05, 2023
- Myind Staff
Indian wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, who have been leading the protest against the country's wrestling federation headed by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have recently resumed their duties with the Railways. After being forcefully evicted from their protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where they had been demonstrating since April, the wrestlers returned to work on May 31.
However, it should be noted that both Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia have refuted the reports suggesting their withdrawal from the ongoing protest. Emphasizing their determination, Sakshee Malikkh stated, "This is our fight for justice. We will not step back." Despite resuming their professional responsibilities, the wrestlers remain committed to their cause, highlighting their unwavering stance against the wrestling federation."We have resumed our duties in Railways, but we are also working on our future strategy," she stated.
According to reports, the wrestlers also had a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah late on Saturday evening, where they appealed for an unbiased investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Seven female wrestlers, including a minor, have accused Singh of misconduct.
It is learned that Amit Shah assured the wrestlers that the law applies equally to everyone. He reportedly told them, "Let the law take its own course."
In response to the meeting, Sakshee Malikkh stated today that their conversation with Shah was "normal." She reiterated their sole demand, saying, "We have only one demand - to arrest Brij Bhushan Singh. We will continue our protest until we get justice."
Sources indicate that the wrestlers sought a meeting with Shah after their five-day ultimatum for action against the wrestling federation chief expired on Saturday.
Earlier last month, the protesting wrestlers had announced their intention to immerse their medals into the river Ganga in Haridwar. They alleged that their protest against the wrestling federation chief had been largely ignored.
Wrestlers temporarily shelved their plan to immerse medals in the Ganga after intervention from farmer leader Naresh Tikait. Delhi Police accused them of rioting during a protest march to the new parliament. Detentions were made, and visuals of wrestlers being pinned down sparked outrage. Jantar Mantar protest site closed, and India Gate protest was banned. Two FIRs were filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh based on complaints by wrestlers.
Image source: The Hindu
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