Khap leaders from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will hold a mega-panchayat at Meham’s Chaubisi Chabutra in support of protesting wrestlers. The panchayat, called by Mehar Singh Nambardar, head of Chaubisi Sarv Khap Panchayat, is expected to be attended by around 1500 leaders. A committee of 31 representatives will be formed during the meeting, and any decisions made by the committee will be binding for all.
The wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, have been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since April 23, demanding action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations. The wrestlers had given a deadline of May 21 to the government to address their demands, warning of a significant decision if no action is taken.
Meanwhile, Khap representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana are joining the protests. The state president of Akhil Bhartiya Poonia Mahapanchayat in Rajasthan stated that a decision regarding the wrestlers at Jantar Mantar would be made on Sunday. He criticized the Modi government for not addressing the issue, questioning whether the safety and education of daughters are being neglected. The spokesperson of Poonia Mahapanchayat expressed faith in the Khap and emphasized the sacrifices made by wrestlers for their training.
The panchayat and the ongoing protests highlight the support and concerns of Khap leaders and the wrestlers’ demands for justice.
