Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, one of the faces of the protest, told a select group of reporters that one committee will have 31 people while the other will have nine members. None of the wrestlers sitting at the protest site will serve on either committee.
“We have formed two committees to discuss the way forward. The first committee comprises 31 people while the other is nine people. The focus of both committees will be the same – to decide the future of our event. The 31-member committee will have members from all organizations that join our struggle, including khap panchayats, farmers’ organizations, workers’ groups, and student and women’s groups. will decide our wrestling matters. We will release more details on Saturday. None of the wrestlers sitting here are on either committee. Our job is to fight and we will continue to do so,” Bajrang said.
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The committees were formed in view of the Supreme Court’s decision to terminate proceedings on the plea of sexual harassment allegations against Singh, a BJP strongman and six-time Lok Sabha MP.
Bajrang informed that the recording of victim statements was completed on Friday by the Delhi Police. “Vinesh (Phogat) is in contact with our legal team. We will soon unveil our strategy. We are not going to back down. We will resume our fight. under section 161 of the CrPC was completed today. From now on, all declarations will be registered under Article 164.”
Bajrang said a massive mobilization of the population was planned for May 7 to support the movement. “Many of our followers will come here on May 7 and hold a panchayat. They did a panchayat on Thursday too. Whatever they decide, we will be acceptable. Nothing is greater than society. If society and the country ask to leave, we will leave.”
Bajrang informed that the chances of protesting wrestlers making it to the Asian Games tryouts next month are looking increasingly difficult. “If the situation stays the same, I don’t think we will be able to play the trials. I have already said that for me, getting justice will be more important than an Asian medal,” he said.
