We have not backed down, the protest will continue: Sakshi Malik

Released Sunday night from police detention, the fighters are contemplating their next move even as they continue to draw support from the sports fraternity after many political leaders and sports personalities unequivocally condemned police action against top fighters.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik and several others were detained by Delhi police on Sunday as they tried to move towards the new Parliament building for the women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.

Disturbing videos of police actions against elite fighters have emerged from Jantar Mantar, which will now remain out of reach.

The fighters are demanding the arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who they accused of sexually exploiting female fighters.

Rio Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi posted a video from her Twitter account, clarifying that they have not given up.

“The police have filed FIR against us when we have not caused any damage to public property. They were very cruel to us, a woman (fighter) was being handled by 20 officers, you can see the videos.

“We want to inform our supporters, who are waiting for us at Gurdwara (in Ambala) and other places, that we are dedicating this day to devising our next strategy. We have not backed down, the protest will continue. We will let you know our next step, keep supporting us,” he said. .

Bajrang, Vinesh, Sangeeta and Sakshi did not return calls as several attempts were made to reach them.

“We will soon let you know what our next move will be. We are still meeting. I was released at 11 pm and Bajrang was released around midnight. We still have to meet in a common place. We will discuss it soon,” he said. one of the team members.

The police, who have filed FIRs against the trio of Bajrang, Vinesh, Sakshi and several others for violation of law and order, have made it clear that they will not allow the fighters to return to Jantar Mantar.

Meanwhile, India’s first singles Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra, has denounced police action against top wrestlers, saying the treatment meted out to wrestlers left him “sleepless” and he was “haunted” by the gruesome images. .

Unprecedented scenes of police dragging away Olympic and world championship medal-winning players, including Sakshi, Vinesh, Punia and Sangeeta Phogat, were witnessed as the wrestlers and their supporters broke through the security cordon ahead of their march to the new stadium building. Parliament.

“Couldn’t sleep last night, haunted by horrific images of my fellow Indian wrestlers protesting,” Bindra tweeted, even as India’s most successful footballer Sunil Chhetri and former India all-rounder Kapil Dev also criticized the move. against the fighters.

“It is high time we put in place independent safeguards across all sports organizations. We must ensure that if such situations arise, they are treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect. All athletes deserve a safe and empowering environment,” Bindra added, 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medalist in air rifle.

India football captain Chhetri tweeted: “Why does it have to come down to our fighters being dragged off without any consideration? This is not the way to treat anyone. I really hope this whole situation is assessed the way it is. that should be”.

Former Pathan all-rounder said a solution to the problem must be found immediately.

“So sad to see the pictures of our athletes. Please resolve this ASAP,” Pathan tweeted.