Harsha Kakar
The prolonged battle over OROP had the entire country involved. Anypolitical party attempting to derive mileage from the cause was prevented from doing so, even to the extent that Rahul Gandhi was not permitted to address the gathering and had to leave in embarrassment soon after his arrival. The struggle including hunger strikesand relay hunger strikes went on for over eighty days, with regular news coverage, sharing news space with the Sheena Bora murder case, increasing cease fire violations and the NSA level talks. Editorials galore covered the story behind OROP.
The unknown veteran who was a part of the group that fought this epic battle for almost three months, in sweltering heat and humidity, rain and thunderstorm was in the age group of the mid- fifties to the mid- nineties, indicating his inner strength and determination. The Governments’ unilateral action of attempting eviction pre independence day and the resultant injuries to senior veterans brought the agitation into the desired limelight and gave it an unintended boost. The fact that in spite of all odds the veteran held onto his post implied his resolve.
The agitation continued peacefully with minimum of disturbance to on-going commercial activities. There were no road blocks, no anti-Government slogans, no anti party or leader comments, no effigy burning and even no abusing or insulting. The protests were mature, calm and quietly effective. The protestors were seated together, with the hunger strikers on the dais and the slogans in support of the demands continued non- stop. The veterans and their families who were a part of the protest behaved in a mature and disciplined manner without creating any hindrance to the local public. The protests attracted veterans and their families from all over the country, some of whom came to provide solidarity to their brethren.
To ensure logistic support to the agitation there were a number of voluntary local establishments. Some provided shelter to those coming from outside the city; hospitals provided medical and restaurants catered for meals. The protestors were a team, helping one another, providing succour and support. Donations flowed from across the length and breadth of the country. Veterans of different batches of the academies, different regiments and from groups and cities donated voluntarily for the cause.
Every time there were talks at any level, those who attended, returned and briefed all spectators on what transpired, what was expected and where were the stumbling blocks. Discussions and comments were open and views flowed from all. The leaders were there, amongst the protestors as a part and parcel of the team shoulder to shoulder.
The lessons which we and our youth can learn from the manner this protest was conducted are many. Firstly, by being mature and projecting our demands peacefully we can make an impact. Road blocks, strikes and damage to public property are not always the answer. Frustration can and does lead to violence, especially after prolonged protests. It could have easily affected this case also, butit did not. Linked is the need for patience. To push demands and change thinking at the national level takes time and patience. The Patidar protests in Gujarat aiming for results in a short time should take heed. Patience and sustained protests can compel any government to act, as long as the cause is just, legal and has requisite public support.
Secondly, the veteran, in spite of having left the service decades ago, still has within him, the decorum, the discipline and respect for the nation which he has served with honour. Therefore neither the nation, nor its leaders, nor its institutions were criticized or insulted. The veterans’ slogans were clear, it is our right and we shall take it. To continue with such protests for a prolonged duration needs self-discipline and determination, which our veterans have.Even our Parliamentarians do not possess these qualities, as was evident in the last monsoon session of parliament, have a lot to learn. I sincerely hope they do carry lessons from this protest for the future.
A regular briefing post every discussion which the committee members attended kept everyone in the loop about the progress of talks. This action was greatly beneficial as it helped prevent spreading of rumours in support or against a section of the leadersas well as the views of those present could be obtained. It kept all upto date at the same level, removing biases of any kind. This was also the fastest way to disseminate the message across the length and breadth of the country by social media, which was immensely effective.
For a nation, we are used to road blocks and strikes of every variety. Each time these are held, the city is held to ransom, the public suffers, and in most cases, other than damaging Government and private property they achieve nothing. This was a clear example of a mature manner to deal with a genuine issue, which got support from the press and the nation because of the methodology in which it was conducted.
As a nation, we may have been unfair, we may not have given them their due, but even at the extreme moment of their protest, they always shouted, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. They have loved their motherland, sacrificed the best part of their life for it, and would never go against it. Thus we as a nation need to give our veterans their due respect.We also need to give them a humble salute for showing the rest of usthe methodology of peacefulprotests and demonstrations, though I wonder how many would actually emulate them.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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