Wrestlers’ protest: Two committees formed to discuss way ahead

A day after the Supreme Court closed their case against the Delhi Police, the protesting wrestlers seem to have come to terms with the initial setback and decided to move ahead in a more organised way

Wrestler Bajrang Punia during the wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Friday. | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

A day after the Supreme Court closed their case against the Delhi Police, the protesting wrestlers seem to have come to terms with the initial setback and decided to move ahead in a more organised way.

“We have formed two committees to discuss the way forward. The first comprises 31 people from all organisations who are supporting us including the khap panchayats, farmer organisations, labour groups and student and women groups. The other is of nine which will decide on wrestling matters but none of the wrestlers sitting here are part of either. We will disclose more details tomorrow,” Bajrang Punia told media persons.

Reiterating that the protest was for justice and not about any caste or political party, Bajrang said even BJP members were welcome. He added that the recording of statements of complainants by the police had been completed would next be recorded in front of a magistrate. Interestingly, BJP in alliance with the JJP is in power in Haryana and on Friday, state sports minister Anil Vij and Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala threw their support behind the wrestlers. 

The protest is likely to intensify on Sunday with several khaps announcing they would gather at Jantar Mantar and hold a panchayat. “They did a panchayat yesterday too. Whatever they decide will be acceptable to us. If the society and the country asks us to vacate, we will leave.