Citizens Point

Change simmers and boils in a blink!

There have been rapid revolutions in multiple countries, where the trail for the pre-protest phase is mostly short or missing. For traditional security professionals, this might look like a deeply instigated agenda. And it might be true in backward underdeveloped countries. But, the culmination of such protests in advanced democracies leads to a question- how are these protests planned?

For most of modern history, protests are organic, hailing from anger that is triggered from an event. This is boiling in action. In the recent past, this boiling period has drastically reduced, mobilized by social media and fast organization forming capabilities among the population, especially youth.

Unlike traditional protests led by seasonal leaders, sometimes this unruly restless crowd of youth leads to anarchy, violence and in rare cases, raiding institutions of governance. There is no telling how much political support these crowds have. It can be assumed that they have large support but these political leaders weld little control.

In the beginning of the Cockroach Janta Party protest, I was afraid that these unruly tendencies will get the better of the protests and turn it into a threat. Fear was warranted as the leaders were not actually leaders related to any regional areas, but rather seemingly opportunist. That fear is dispelled now.

The march to Parliament or PMO was the worst part of these protests. It looked deliberate and an attempt to trigger the worst of law & order forces. While the rigging of security vulnerabilities are usual in political protests, youth-led civilian protests can be a threat to institutions. Multiple examples in other countries.

While that phase un-nerved me somewhat! The post-stage protests seem genuinely well-stabilized. Youth at their creative best, civil society members like the media and “behind the scenes” elders are keeping tabs. The presence of seasoned politicians outside the protest is also helpful. I wish I was in Delhi to see all this.

Amazed by what the students have done. Please keep it creative and jolly. Hope the stone-pelting and a few miscreants making violence are kept outside. Respect the Police – they are duty-bound. But appeal, appeal and appeal as much.

Democracies are made to make the government accountable. If the public frustration is high, leaders must be ready to face them, or resign. The price of a country staying prosperous, its institutions respected and its symbols commanding sacrifice is simple. The rulers must take the blame for their misrule- not its institutions. Institutions are being questioned due to rigidity of ruling parties. A patriotic political party knows this and acts in national interest.

Jai Hind!