Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait announced on Sunday that a candle march will be held at India Gate on May 23, followed by a meeting on May 28. This decision was made by the committee after the conclusion of the Khap Panchayat supporting the wrestlers’ protest.
The announcement was captured in a video shared by news agency PTI. In anticipation of the farmers’ meeting in solidarity with the protesting wrestlers, increased security measures have been implemented at Jantar Mantar and Delhi’s borders, with multi-layer barricades and enhanced checking procedures. Vehicles entering Delhi will be subject to scrutiny, and picket lines have been strengthened.
The wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
On Saturday, the wrestlers issued a warning that a “big decision” might be taken on Sunday, which could have implications not in the best interest of the country. The khap mahapanchayat has been given until May 21 to decide whether to continue the agitation. On April 28, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs against the WFI chief in response to the wrestlers’ sexual harassment complaints.