The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmers’ unions in India, has announced plans to hold nationwide protests in support of wrestlers who have been denied permission to participate in an international event due to the ongoing farmers’ protests.
The wrestlers, who are from Haryana and Punjab, were due to participate in the World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway in October. However, they have been denied permission by the Indian government, which cited security concerns in light of the farmers’ protests.
The SKM has criticized the government’s decision, calling it a violation of the athletes’ right to participate in international events. The coalition has called for protests across the country on September 14 to demand that the government reverse its decision and allow the wrestlers to participate.
The farmers’ protests, which have been ongoing since November 2020, are centered around three controversial agricultural laws that the government passed last year. The laws have been criticized by farmers’ unions and opposition parties, who argue that they will harm small farmers and benefit large corporations.
The SKM has been at the forefront of the protests, organizing demonstrations and marches across the country. The coalition has also called for a boycott of products and services linked to large corporations that support the government’s policies.
The decision to deny permission to the wrestlers has been seen by many as an attempt to suppress dissent and silence opposition to the government’s policies. The SKM’s decision to hold nationwide protests in support of the wrestlers is a clear signal that the farmers’ unions remain committed to their cause and will not be deterred by the government’s actions.
The situation also highlights the intersection of sports and politics, and the ways in which international events can be affected by political tensions. The SKM’s protests serve as a reminder of the power of sports to unite people across borders, and the need for governments to ensure that athletes are able to participate in events without political interference.
