While there are grounds for students to voice their displeasure regarding the country’s quota system, it is truly unfortunate how the events are unfolding; injuries have already started piling up in clashes between the law enforcement and protesters, and there looks to be little sign that there will be an understanding reached any time soon.
This is particularly damaging at a time when the country is already reeling from multiple challenges, from inflation to floods to a slower-than-expected growth rate - all of which have expectedly dampened overall enthusiasm about the future health of our nation.
This is a pivotal moment in time for us as a people, as it was in 2018 when these protests had seen light. It is also imperative that the authorities concerned do a much better job than they did back then with regard to listening to what it is that the protesters are asking for.
It is any government’s prerogative to make laws and rescind those it deems unfit to serve the public good. However, it is also every democratic government’s duty to pay attention to the masses and understand their point of view. As such, it is truly unfortunate when we see those affiliated with the government not only turn a deaf ear but simultaneously dismiss and even antagonize protesters through threats, taunts, and as we have seen in the past, brute force.
On the part of the protesters, while peaceful demonstrations should always be upheld as a fundamental right in any democratic state, blockades and disrupting everyday life for millions of citizens can not be the way to reach a peaceful consensus.
What is needed therefore is common ground to find a solution as soon as possible. This starts with a willingness from the authorities concerned to pay attention and engage in meaningful dialogue. The present situation is only hurting the nation, and cannot be allowed to continue.
