Protests should not cross the limit

The history of protest methods is as old as the freedom struggle. During the independence movement, patience and non-cooperation were common forms of protest. However, the style of protests has changed over time. Today, protests often include road blockades, gheraos, black flag demonstrations, burning effigies, and sometimes even aggressive actions. Recently, a protest by activists of the opposition student organisation KSU against Health Minister Veena George at a railway platform in Kannur turned controversial. The minister had reached the station to return to Thiruvananthapuram on the Vande Bharat Express after attending a government event. The protest escalated, and the minister was injured and later admitted to the intensive care unit at Pariyaram Medical College with injuries to her neck vertebrae.

Police have registered a case of attempt to murder against the KSU activists who protested at the railway platform. While the ruling side described the incident as a “serious attack” and the opposition claimed the minister was exaggerating the incident, a key question remains: regardless of the issue, is it appropriate in a democracy to stage a provocative protest in a public travel space and block the movement of a woman minister, creating a tense situation? Visuals show police trying to prevent a direct confrontation between the protesters and the minister on the crowded platform. The minister was seen reacting angrily, while police attempted to calm the protesters and move them away.

It is likely that the minister’s injury occurred amid the rush and chaos on the platform, which quickly changed the atmosphere. Following the incident, protests and some instances of violence were reported across the state. The protest at the railway platform could have led to more serious consequences. Congress leaders, including Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, stated that strict action should be taken if the activists were found guilty, which reflects a democratic response. At the same time, any attempt to use the incident for political gain should also be opposed. The protest against the Health Minister was reportedly linked to public dissatisfaction over repeated treatment lapses in government hospitals. However, the method and location chosen for the protest were inappropriate.

Protests are often born out of public dissatisfaction. Reports of lapses in government hospitals have been appearing frequently, along with allegations that the health department has tried to defend those responsible. While mistakes can occur in any sector despite precautions, what matters most is proper follow-up action and transparency to the public. At the same time, ministers must remain cautious to avoid situations that cause dissatisfaction among the public regarding the functioning of their departments. It should also be remembered that protests must have limits.