The ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi by wrestlers against the national wrestling federation chief over sexual harassment allegations has taken a surprising turn with the entry of farmers. The farmers broke through barricades and joined the protest, showing solidarity with the wrestlers’ cause. Although the Delhi Police clarified that there was no face-off between the farmers and cops, the entry of farmers has added a new dimension to the ongoing protest.The wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for over two weeks, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, BJP MP and president of Wrestling Federation of India, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven wrestlers, including a minor. Delhi Police have registered two cases against him, one under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.The entry of farmers into the protest site highlights the solidarity among different groups that have been protesting against various issues in the country. The support extended by farmer organizations under the umbrella body Samyukt Kisan Morcha to the wrestlers’ protest shows the growing unity among different protest movements in the country.The Delhi Police’s assurance of facilitating the protestors and maintaining law and order is commendable. The metal detectors put up at the entry to Jantar Mantar for regulating entry to the designated protest site in the national capital for safety reasons are essential to prevent any untoward incidents. It is crucial that protestors remain peaceful and abide by the law to ensure a peaceful and democratic protest.The wrestlers have made it clear that their protest has not been hijacked, and the entry of farmers has only strengthened their cause. It remains to be seen how the protest will unfold in the coming days, but the growing unity among different protest movements is a positive sign for democracy in the country.
Farmers Unite with Wrestler’s protester in Jantar Mantar.
