A peaceful way of making a point

Although there were attempts at some places to thwart the human chain programme, these did not prevent the mainstream programme from being staged. Admittedly, arrests of many opposition activists in the run-up to the event indicated a subtle attempt on the part of the government to put a damper on it. There were some stray incidents that could be construed as highhanded action by the law enforcing agencies. Even so, both the government and the opposition must be given credit for the day having passed off without any major incidents. However, deployment of more than 30 thousand security personnel was, by all standards, an unprecedented security arrangement, and it must have cost the exchequer dear.

We have always held the view that the opposition has the right to protest and ventilate their feelings against government policies. And, the human chain has been a peaceful way of airing public grievances and is so much better than hartals.

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Even by very conservative estimates of what could be assessed from the press reports, the turnout on the streets was substantial, which to the discerning eye, could not have failed to indicate the tenor of public mood. We would go to the extent of suggesting that several messages were writ on the human chain such as those conveying public disenchantment with law and order, poor governance and the spiralling prices. The government must take these into account.

In fact, it was highly imaginative and creative on the part of the opposition alliance to have registered the protest with such an expression of solidarity. It could not have been an easy programme to stage for them, with all the organisational work and synchronisation that went into it.

Formation of a country-long human chain is a democratic method of protest, but to seek the toppling of a democratically elected government before the end of its tenure is something the opposition must eschew. Ultimately, it is the people's mandate through the ballot box that must project their voice.