Having interviewed many grassroots activists who have organised 100s of protests with even over 10,000 people, I've learnt that takes YEARS of mobilising, conversations, leadership, to keep rallies non-violent, especially when the causes are often life & death. + #CAA2019
Twitterati condemning and giving sage advise to students to keep calm, not slap a cop when he slaps a student, probably don't recognise how HARD it is to be non-violent in the face of asymmetric power of the state. + #CAA2019
We can't forget that a student's slap is not equal to trained cops in riot gear shooting bullets, tear gas & a history of quelling protests of all kinds with cases of "kidnapping govt officials", "blocking govt work", causing nuisance etc. #CAA2019
Senior activists say that protestors must help each other stay agitated but non-violent thru songs, speeches slogans, dance, to expend that anger in safe ways. When cops bring the full force of their power, it hurts protestors the most, distracts the group, exhausts participants.
That most people out on the streets, showing they love democracy today, are first time protestors and STILL keeping away from violence is commendable, beautiful and so heart-warmingly hopeful. #CAA2019 #CAAProtests
Twitter, insert here at least one lesson in people's mass action that you know, or learnt from some of our country's most inspiring grassroot leaders. @NarmadaBachao @mkssindia @yamunajiye @OzaNandini @DayamaniO @free_thinker @ForestRightsAct @kkuruganti
