Wrestler Vinesh Phogat takes up farmers' cause, joins protesters at Shambhu border
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat took up the farmers' cause by joining protesters at the Shambhu border (located between Punjab and Haryana) on August 31, demanding that the central government address their demands. The farmers, marking 200 days of the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, have been seeking a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) among other demands.
Phogat, who faced disqualification in the recent 50-kg final match at the Paris Olympic Games, was felicitated by the farmers. She expressed her solidarity with their cause.
Farmers under the banners of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha organized a 'kisan mahapanchayat' to commemorate 200 days of their protest. They have been demonstrating at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, following a blockade by security forces.
«I want to tell you that your daughter is with you,» news agency PTI quoted Phogat as saying during her address. She also emphasised that the farmers' demands were legitimate.
Speaking to reporters, Phogat lamented that the farmers' issues remain unresolved. «It hurts to see them,» she said.
«Sometimes we feel helpless at not being able to do anything for them. We represent the country at international levels but we could not do anything for our own family. It is a request that the government should listen to them,» she added.
Reflecting on the prolonged protest, Phogat noted her disappointment. «It was sad that although 200 days have passed, the protesting farmers continue to sit on the roads as
