In recent days, some of the countries in the world have witnessed unprecedented public unrest. In our neighbouring country France, there have been violent protests called 'Yellow Vest Protest'. It all started with riots in Paris but then spread to several other towns and then further to bordering countries like Netherlands & Belgium. The discontentment was about the fuel tax hike and an increase in living costs. The agitation has not stopped even after the announcement of a few concessions by the president Macron.
In the South African country Zimbabwe, there have been violent protests over the doubling of fuel prices. Hundreds of people have been arrested and the crackdown by security forces have even killed several protesters.Shops have been closed and there has been a widespread damage to the property.
In the South American country Venezuela, the political unrest was ignited due to acute food and medicine shortages and hyperinflation. There has been a mutiny by a national guard unit and the armed forces have used tear gas on protesters. Several countries, including the UK, have disregarded the current regime and instead recognised the opposition leader as its legitimate president.
Though these are all separate events yet a scrutiny points out a few similarities that highlights an underlying trend. In most cases, the agitation was led by people at large without any formal leadership and real structure. Masses have become restless over the indifferent attitude of the regime over their woes. They are terribly frustrated over the uneven distribution of income and wealth.
The discontentment is so large that people are unhesitant to take law into their own hands and public property is vandalised. Moreover, widespread use of social media has played a very prominent role in spreading the turbulence. There have been determined efforts by the rulers to cut off the internet but all in vain.
The use of coercion that includes assault, torture, arrests and shootings have not deterred protesters but instead has added fuel to fire leading to further spread of discontentment. People are desperate to see change happen. The dialogue in a prominent bollywood movie is very relevant that says, ' Do not underestimate the power of a common man'.
Bharat Shah
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