Bank Workers Denounce the Attack on Wrestlers, Demand Justice

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS CONFEDERATION
(Registered under the Trade Unions Act 1926, Registration No.3427/Delhi)
State Bank of India, LHO, Dispur, Guwahati–781006
Phone: 9957563825 Web: www.aiboc.org e mail- aiboc.sectt[at]gmail.com &
rupamr.aiboc[at]gmail.com

ALL INDIA BANK EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Central Office: “PRABHAT NIVAS” Regn. No. 2037 Singapore Plaza, 164, Linghi Chetty Street, Chennai- 600001
Phone: 25351522 Fax: 25358853 Web: www.aibea.in
e mail chv.aibea[at]gmail.com & aibeahq[at]gmail.com

Date: 05.06.2023

PRESS RELEASE

AIBOC & AIBEA Denounces the Attack on Wrestlers, Demands Justice

We from AIBOC, and AIBEA, both apex bodies representing more than 6 lakh bankers, are addressing this communique to express our strong condemnation and outrage regarding the brutal attack on the wrestlers who were peacefully demonstrating at Jantar Mantar while exercising their constitutional as well as democratic right to protest and right to expression. The wrestlers, who were seeking justice against the alleged repugnant acts of sexual harassment committed by Mr. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Party and the former President of the wrestlers’ federation of India, deserve our unwavering support and solidarity.
It is deeply distressing to witness such a heinous act of violence against individuals exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest. These wrestlers, who have dedicated their lives to their sport and earned laurels for the country at the highest level of excellence, demonstrated immense courage in coming forward to highlight the issue of sexual harassment faced by the athletes’ most particularly the wrestlers. Their demand for justice and a safe environment for all athletes is not only justified but also crucial in fostering a healthy and inclusive sporting community and we, both the organisations, are unequivocal in our strong resentment and condemnation of the brutal misuse of forces by the present dispensation and their desperation to shield the culprit that shall surely blot the pages of history and posterity shall undoubtedly remember them for a wrong cause.
The attack on the wrestlers is an assault on the principles of justice, human rights, and the spirit of the sport itself. The AIBOC (All India Bank Officers’ Confederation) and AIBEA, (All India Bank Employees Association), firmly denounce such acts of violence and aggression. We stand alongside the victims and advocate for their rights to be protected, their voices to be heard, and their demands to be addressed with utmost urgency.
Our organizations stand for fairness, equality, and justice. We are committed to protect the honour of women and we are against any assault on the dignity of women. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that athletes are protected from any form of harassment and that their grievances are heard and addressed promptly and effectively.
We urge all our members to come forward, join hands, and support the cause of the wrestlers who have been unjustly attacked. Together, we can create a powerful movement that demands justice, accountability, and change. We also appeal to fellow citizens, sports organizations, and civil society groups to come forward and support the wrestlers in their fight for justice. Together, we can create an environment that respects and protects the rights of every individual, regardless of their background or profession, defying the ill-conceived notion of ‘might is right.’
AIBOC and AIBEA urge the government to address the concerns raised by these athletes and take necessary and immediate actions against the accused. It is the duty of our society to protect our pride and ensure that justice prevails over felonies and fallacies of any kind.

Rupam Roy General Secretary, AIBOC
C.H. Venkatachalam General Secretary, AIBEA