Maybe, we need creative and new ways to protest or call attention. The uncertainty before the bandh—the veiled threats masquerading as requests to co-operate and then the general atmosphere of aggression—is taking toll on a weary and cynical citizenry. Instead of sympathising or being one with causes, people are getting turned off, seeing bandh as a disruption in life, a hindrance or a disturbance.

Every protest can find space in the virtual world, or even be a silent banner protest, or maybe take some other form. You need to capture eyeballs and attention, but most importantly empathy too. This is merely irksome at best and can escalate as truly tense and scary. The infantile crowing about success and failure post bandh is also an irritation for people who may have been caught in the situation. We need a re-think and an overhaul in protests across the political spectrum. Let us see that happen soon.