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Journalism of Courage
Farmers from the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Monday allegedly broke through barricades at Jantar Mantar while joining the protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Delhi Police later released a statement saying there was no disturbance, and later deployed workers to fix the damaged barricades.
BKU members and other farmer and labour unions joined top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia on Sunday. They demanded Singh’s immediate arrest and his removal/suspension from WFI over allegations of sexual harassment against him.
On Monday, several purported videos from the protest site showed farmers jumping barricades and breaking them.
As allegations of clashes with police were raised, DCP (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said, “A group of farmers were escorted to Jantar Mantar. At the entry barricades, they were in a hurry to reach the dharna site… Some of them climbed the barricades which toppled and were removed by them. Police team kept the barricades at the back to facilitate their entry. The protesters reached the dharna site…”
Delhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa also said there was no clash and that police were helping protesters peacefully reach the protest site.
However, farmers at the site alleged they were stopped by police at Delhi borders as well as at Jantar Mantar.
Harnek Singh, a Krantikari Kisan Union member from Fatehgarh, alleged, “We came from Punjab yesterday and police had stopped us near Singhu border. We waited almost 3-4 hours and fought to get here. Around 10-11 am, we were again stopped by police… We were manhandled and pushed. They stopped us and said there was nothing going on and we should head back. We got angry and had no other option but to shove them and jump barricades.”
Khajan Singh, a BKU member from Patiala, said, “We had brought our vehicles but police didn’t allow us to enter Jantar Mantar. They told us to leave our vehicles on the streets. There were barricades everywhere and we were very confused. A group of young boys then pushed the barricades. We told the police we need space to enter. They later allowed us.”
His friend, Avtar, claimed police tried to “ruin” their movement but were outnumbered. “We are here to protect the pride of our daughters and sons. We want Singh to be removed immediately from his post and arrested,” said Avtar.
The farmers vowed to continue the sit-in protest with wrestlers and fight for justice.
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