It’s about time we rethink modes of protest

This picture has been used for representational purpose. Pic/Satej Shinde

We need to re-look at the bandh as a method of political protest or tool, no matter which political party gives the call. A piece in this paper highlighted how retail traders suffered on Monday. With shops closed and festive season already on us, losses are considerable. Do not see this as an isolated incident. Once retailers lose their customers to virtual shopping, they may not come back to brick-and-mortar stores.

There were incidents of autorickshaw drivers being assaulted and some buses damaged. This is hugely ironic as the bandh call was given by the ruling dispensation in the state. It should have been extremely peaceful. The cause - death of farmers - resonated with most. Yet, it is the method that throws into sharp relief whether bandh, which may turn violent, or intimidate or inconvenience people, has run its course as a political tool.

Maybe, we need creative and new ways to protest or call attention. The uncertainty before the bandh - the veiled threats masquerading as requests to co-operate and then the general atmosphere of aggression - is taking toll on a weary and cynical citizenry. Instead of sympathising or being one with causes, people are getting turned off, seeing bandh as a disruption in life, a hindrance or a disturbance.

Every protest can find space in the virtual world, or even be a silent banner protest, or maybe take some other form. You need to capture eyeballs and attention, but most importantly empathy too. This is merely irksome at best and can escalate as truly tense and scary. The infantile crowing about success and failure post bandh is also an irritation for people who may have been caught in the situation. We need a re-think and an overhaul in protests across the political spectrum. Let us see that happen soon.