The Conference of Religious in India (CRI) has expressed solidarity with women wrestlers who have been protesting against sexual abuses in the national capital for several weeks.
Apostolic Carmel Sister Mary Nirmalini, president of the conference, commended the courage of the protesting women who “dared to challenge patriarchy and asserted your rights as women and of human dignity.”
In a letter dated June 4, Nirmalini praised the women wrestlers as an example for those who are experiencing recurring sexual harassment in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
Since April 23, prominent wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Sangeeta Phogat have led the protest, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Singh has been accused of sexually harassing multiple female grapplers, including a minor.
CRI condemned the “brutal and uncivilized behavior of the police,” who tried to forcibly break off the wrestlers’ rightful agitation.
Prominent wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Sangeeta Phogat have led the protest since April 23, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Singh is accused of sexually harassing multiple female grapplers, including a minor.
Nirmalini urged the more than 125,000 Catholic nuns, brothers, and priests to play their prophetic role and actively engage in addressing the pressing issues in India.
She said she was concerned at the many serious happenings in India such as the ongoing targeted violence in Manipur on the Christians and other tribals; the continual attacks on Church personnel and institutions in various parts of India; the denigration of the Muslims; the mainstreaming of hate speeches; and the pathetic plight of our protesting women wrestlers. – with reports from Matters India
