Financial Times reflects on India’s societal violence and potential for protests

At the point when protesters in the United States turned violent and looting ensued, many back in India showed that protests in India are never violent. On social media, some stressed the fact that protests in India are peaceful and stoical in nature.

Even the most oppressed in Indian society, Dalits never turn violent. The opinion piece in the Financial Times written by political philosopher Shruti Kapila, underscored why Indian protesters do not protest against police violence.

It is well known that police violence knows no boundary. Custodial deaths are frequent in the police system. Yet they are not the target of protesters.

Kapila pointed out that the role of caste and its manifestation in Indian society makes it difficult to identify the nodes of violence. Caste violence against untouchables is a systemic feature that renders it invisible.

In this situation, the wrath of protesters is targeted towards politicians, who have a monopoly over the distribution of resources. Police usually remain untouched by the protesters.

The opinion also highlighted that today the instruments of state are used against Muslims who are equal with Dalits in terms of social vulnerability.