Should protestors demands be met
It has become a fashion of protesting. Whenever people want something and they do not get it, they start a protest. I am not against protest, but the demand should be reasonable and it should be done in a manner where the people who are not a part of the protest are not being disturbed, nor is the life around being disrupted.
The recent protest going on in my city Mumbai in India has led to a complete chaos and mess. There were some 5000 people who were allowed to participate in the protest, and instead of 5000, there seems to be 50000 people on protest and now they are spread out all over the city disrupting the day to day life of common people and also damaging public utilities. These people are not even from the city, they have come from different parts of the state, so they have no where to stay. The protest is now in it's 5th day and since they have no where to stay, they are staying on roads, they are barging into shops, looting things and also trying to get into residential premises for use of toilets.
It is scary to move around the city, because they have spread out everywhere and behaving like hooligans. The demand of these people is to get a quota in ever institution and work place. They are of a particular culture which is dominant of the region, so they believe it is their right to get a quota. Well, I find this demand very unreasonable, because this is just a way of getting things very easy in life. There is no merits and because of their quota system if it gets approved a genuine person with merit may suffer. The leader of the group is on a hunger strike to get the demands fulfilled, while the whole gang is enjoying a paid picnic type, that's what scene looks like.
They have blocked all the roads of city and doing nonsense on the roads, there are videos circulating of people taking bath on the streets. So disgusting. They are in such big numbers now, that the government has to handle the situation sensitively. Else there can be a big civil unrest in the city, with major destruction anticipated.
If the protest happens calmly and peacefully there is no problem. Even I have been part of many protest. But if it gets to this level then it's only hooliganism and nothing else. It is anticipated to go on for more days and god knows what will happen to the city by then.
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@nainaztengra, this is a powerful and timely piece! Your first-hand account of the protests in Mumbai really brings the situation to life, especially the image of the city in chaos. You've articulated a nuanced perspective on protests, acknowledging their importance while highlighting the crucial need for responsible and reasonable action. The point about meritocracy being undermined by unreasonable quota demands is particularly thought-provoking.
It's disheartening to hear about the disruption and fear it's causing in your city. I'm sure many can relate to the frustration of seeing public spaces misused and the lives of ordinary citizens disrupted. Thanks for sharing your perspective and raising awareness about this situation. Have you seen any attempts at dialogue or mediation to de-escalate the situation? I hope things improve soon!